Greg Abel's First Meeting as Berkshire's New Boss Discusses This!

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO, Greg Abel, discussed various topics ranging from artificial intelligence or AI to efforts to drive conglomerate growth at his first annual company meeting. According to CNBC International, at this event often dubbed the “Woodstock for Capitalists,” Abel emphasised that Berkshire would be selective in adopting AI. He stated that the company would not use the technology without a clear direction. During the annual meeting, Abel was accompanied by members of his leadership team on stage, while Chairman Warren Buffett gave a speech from a seat in the audience. Abel paid tribute to his predecessor by hanging a jersey from the ceiling of the CHI Health Center, the venue where the event is held annually. In a separate interview with CNBC, Buffett admitted that he has not yet seen ideal investment conditions at present. This aligns with Berkshire’s latest financial report showing a record cash pile approaching US$400 billion. When asked who would serve as his tandem like Charlie Munger was to Warren Buffett, the new CEO Greg Abel did not name a single person but spoke about the team surrounding him. “You surround yourself with great people, and they are already here,” said Greg Abel, quoted from CNBC International, Sunday (3/5/2026). Abel mentioned Adam Johnson, who serves as president of Berkshire’s consumer products, services, and retail businesses and leads NetJets. He also mentioned Ajit Jain, vice chairman of insurance operations, and Katie Farmer, CEO of BNSF Railway. These three executives spent time on stage with Abel on Saturday. “Among our CEOs, we are very fortunate to have a great group, so I will reach out to any of them in certain situations and seek their input,” said Abel.