Warren Buffett (b. 1930). Legendary American investor, business leader, and philanthropist, best known as the chair and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway [Luce Index™ score: 85/100].
Over the course of his career, Warren Buffett has become one of the most influential figures in global finance, earning nicknames like the “Oracle of Omaha” for his remarkable investment acumen and commitment to value investing principles. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at over $160 billion, ranking him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Warren Buffett was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the only son of Leila and Congressman Howard Buffett. Displaying a knack for business from an early age, he engaged in entrepreneurial ventures such as selling chewing gum, Coca-Cola, and magazines door-to-door, and even operated pinball machines in local barber shops. His early exposure to business, coupled with inspiration from books like One Thousand Ways to Make $1000, set the foundation for his lifelong passion for investing.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska and earning a master’s degree in economics from Columbia Business School, Buffett was heavily influenced by Benjamin Graham’s value investing philosophy.
He launched Buffett Partnership Ltd. in 1956, which later acquired the struggling textile firm Berkshire Hathaway. Under his leadership, the company was transformed into a diversified holding conglomerate, investing in insurance, utilities, railroads, and consumer goods.
Since 1970, Buffett has served as the chair and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, guiding the company to extraordinary growth. He is renowned for his disciplined approach to investing, favoring companies with strong fundamentals and undervalued stocks. His partnership with Charlie Munger, who became vice-chair in 1978, was instrumental in shaping the company’s long-term strategy and success.
Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his modest lifestyle and frugality.
He has pledged to donate 99% of his fortune to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Giving Pledge, which he co-founded with Bill Gates to encourage other billionaires to commit at least half their wealth to charity.
Buffett’s annual letters to shareholders are widely read for their wisdom and insight into business and investing.
In 2025, he announced that Greg Abel would succeed him as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, while Buffett would remain as chair.
Buffett has been featured on the cover of Time magazine, notably in January 2012, under the headline “The Optimist,” reflecting his enduring influence and optimistic outlook on business and society.