Berkshire Hathaway is a multi-industry conglomerate, led by investor Warren Buffett from 1965 to Jan. 1, 2026, when he was succeeded by Greg Abel. Berkshire’s principal business lines are in the insurance, railroad freight, and utility industries, but it also owns dozens of well-known consumer-facing companies making everything from boxed chocolates to house paint. Berkshire’s many subsidiaries include insurer Geico, the railway BNSF, See’s Candies, the Dairy Queen restaurant chain, running-shoe maker Brooks, battery maker Duracell, and paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore. Berkshire Hathaway also owns a substantial portfolio of equities and other investments.
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