The Wall Street Journal reports that Berkshire Hathaway has identified Charlie Shamieh as a possible successor to Ajit Jain, vice chairman of the group’s insurance business.
The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the matter as saying that the timing of the transition is still uncertain and that Shamiyeh is expected to take over leadership of Berkshire’s insurance business after Jain retires.
Shamieh has decades of industry experience, having worked at American International Group and Munich Re, and joined Berkshire’s General Re in 2018.
Earlier this year, Buffett reportedly told the Wall Street Journal that Jain “will probably stay with the company as long as possible.”
People familiar with the matter noted that if Jain stays on for many years, Berkshire may end up choosing a different successor.
Re/insurance has long been one of Berkshire’s most important businesses, and Jain has led it for four decades.
Just last weekend, the American multinational group holding company disclosed that net underwriting income from its insurance and reinsurance business increased by US$1.717 billion in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of approximately 29% over the previous year.
The company again cited the highly competitive property and casualty reinsurance market and a lower rate environment as reasons for lower premiums in the segment in the first quarter of this year.
Berkshire Hathaway’s succession planning extends beyond its insurance business. Last May, on the recommendation of Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Greg Abel, formerly Vice Chairman of Non-Insurance Businesses, as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2026.
Abel now leads the company, while Buffett remains chairman of the board.