Berkshire Faces New Era Without Its Iconic Leader

Warren Buffett turns a page in history. This December 31, 2025 marks the end of his reign at the head of Berkshire Hathaway, after more than 60 years of exemplary management. An iconic figure of the markets, “the Oracle of Omaha” embodied a vision of investing based on discipline, duration, and consistency. His departure is not just a change of leadership, but a strong signal addressed to the global markets, at a time when an emblematic era of American capitalism is closing.

The end of an era : Warren Buffett officially passes the baton

Warren Buffett leaves his CEO position at Berkshire Hathaway today, after more than 60 years at the helm of the conglomerate. This departure marks the end of a unique leadership in the modern history of finance. His long-designated successor, Greg Abel, officially takes office this Wednesday.

The group’s investment style, based on consistency, discipline, and ethics, should not change according to Howard Buffett, Warren’s son, who stated : “you do what you say you will do, and you do it when you say you will. You are honest about it. You make mistakes, and you take responsibility for those mistakes”.

A statement that summarizes the DNA of Berkshire Hathaway, a company that has become a symbol of stability in a stock market often volatile.

This transition comes as financial markets are in turmoil, notably under the influence of the rise of artificial intelligence. The Buffett Indicator, a market valuation barometer popularized by Buffett, has reached a historic level of 221.4 %, up 22 % since April 30.

This record, never observed since measures began in 1970, reflects a tense economic context. Buffett, faithful to his strategy, has maintained his stance despite the current euphoria. His portfolio remains focused on benchmark stocks in the technology sector. Among his key positions are :

• Apple, considered by Buffett as a strategic asset, held with rare consistency ;

• Amazon, despite a later exposure, now an integral part of the Berkshire portfolio ;

• Alphabet, Google’s parent company, illustrating his confidence in the tech giants ;

• And historically, the acquisition of Burlington Northern, a long-term industrial bet, far from speculative trends.

This prudent and rigorous management, even in a turbulent environment, confirms that the Buffett style will continue, at least initially, under Greg Abel’s leadership.

The challenge of continuity without the founding figure

While the traditional finance world salutes Buffett’s exit, an entire sector of the crypto universe remains unsatisfied.

In May 2024, in a public letter, Jai Hamid suggested he invest in bitcoin before leaving, to, in his words, “close his legacy by opening it to the future”. This attempt, left unanswered, highlights a friction point between two worlds: on one side, a financial orthodoxy based on tangible fundamentals; on the other, a new, evolving ecosystem that Buffett consciously ignored.

However, Buffett has not been passive in the face of technological changes: his portfolio remains firmly anchored in traditional tech, with maintained positions in Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet. He has not publicly ridden the AI wave, but its impact is visible through the soaring Buffett Indicator.

This strategic discretion, faithful to his style, raises questions about the adaptation of the Berkshire model to the era of accelerated innovation. Greg Abel, though faithful to the Buffett doctrine, will have to navigate a less stable and more unpredictable environment than the one in which his predecessor built his legend.

Warren Buffett leaves the stage, but his legacy remains a guide. In a constantly changing financial world, 5 of his principles that you will do well to apply remain highly relevant: simplicity, discipline, patience, independent thinking, and integrity. More than just a departure, it is an invitation to rethink investment with clarity and rigor.