Howard “Howie” Buffett, the 70-year-old middle child of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, is set to take the reins as the non-executive chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, a business empire valued at $1 trillion.
The announcement comes as part of Warren Buffett’s carefully planned transition strategy, which has been developed over decades. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the 94-year-old Buffett revealed that the majority of his remaining wealth will go toward a newly established charitable trust, leaving his three children—Susie, Howard, and Peter—to oversee $140 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stocks designated for philanthropic efforts.
Why Howie Buffett?
Warren Buffett cited his immense trust in his children, stating, “He [Howie] is getting it because he’s my son. I’m very, very, very lucky in the fact that I trust all three of my children.”
Howie, who has served on Berkshire Hathaway’s board for over 30 years, expressed his readiness for the role. “I feel I’m prepared for it because he prepared me. That’s a lot of years of influence and a lot of years of teaching,” Howie told The Wall Street Journal.
Who is Howard Buffett?
A journey shaped by practical experience and resilience
Howard Buffett faced challenges during his college years but eventually found his footing under his father’s guidance. On Warren Buffett’s advice, Howie relocated to Los Angeles to work at See’s Candies, a Berkshire Hathaway company, where he gained hands-on business experience. He later ventured into entrepreneurship, starting an excavating business before transitioning to farming.
Warren Buffett purchased a farm for his son, who operated it by paying market-rate rent. Over time, Howie became a passionate advocate for no-till farming, championing soil conservation and sustainable agriculture practices.
Leadership in public service and philanthropy
In addition to his business ventures, Howard Buffett has had a notable career in public service:
- Local Government: He joined the county board of commissioners in Nebraska in 1989.
- Ethanol Advocacy: He served as a member and later chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.
- Law Enforcement: From 2017 to 2018, he took on the role of sheriff of Macon County, Illinois, building on his earlier position as an auxiliary deputy.
Contributions to corporate and philanthropic boards
Since 1993, Howie has held directorial roles at several major corporations, including:
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Coca-Cola Enterprises
- ConAgra Foods
- Lindsay Corporation
- Agricultural equipment maker GSI Group
Howie Buffett is also known for his conservation efforts, establishing a charitable foundation focused on environmental sustainability and other philanthropic initiatives. He has authored eight books on conservation, wildlife, and related topics, solidifying his reputation as an advocate for sustainable practices.
Family life
Howie Buffett is married to Devon Morse, with whom he has a son, Howard Warren Buffett. His family also includes four stepdaughters from his marriage to Morse.
As Warren Buffett transitions leadership to the next generation, Howard Buffett’s decades of experience in business, public service, and philanthropy position him as a trusted custodian of the Berkshire Hathaway legacy.