Tag: Appointments

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Appointments

Berkshire Hathaway Announces Wide-Ranging Leadership Updates, Exit of Todd Combs

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway has unveiled a series of major leadership appointments across its non-insurance, insurance, and corporate divisions, marking a significant evolution in its senior ranks. It also announced the leaving of long-time investment manager and GEICO head Todd Combs.

Non-Insurance Operations
Adam M. Johnson, longtime CEO of NetJets, has been named President of Berkshire’s Consumer Products, Service and Retailing group. Johnson will continue leading NetJets while supporting the CEOs of 32 businesses in the consumer portfolio. Gregory E. Abel, Vice Chairman for Non-Insurance Operations, praised Johnson’s record of delivering long-term value and strengthening global operations. Abel will continue overseeing the remaining non-insurance units—including BNSF, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Pilot, McLane, and industrial and building products—as he prepares to assume the role of Berkshire’s President and CEO in 2026.

Insurance Operations
Nancy L. Pierce has been appointed CEO of GEICO. A GEICO veteran since 1986, Pierce rises from her role as COO, bringing decades of experience across claims, underwriting, product management, and regional leadership. Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman for Insurance Operations, emphasized her practical and results-driven leadership.

The move coincides with the departure of Todd A. Combs, GEICO’s CEO since 2020, who is leaving Berkshire to take a senior role at JPMorgan Chase. Warren E. Buffett credited Combs with expanding GEICO’s capabilities and making strong leadership hires.

Corporate Leadership
Marc D. Hamburg, Berkshire’s long-serving CFO, will retire in 2027 after four decades with the company. Buffett called Hamburg’s contributions “indispensable” and praised his integrity and judgment. Charles C. Chang, currently CFO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, will succeed Hamburg in June 2026, with a yearlong transition underway.

Berkshire is also creating a new corporate role: Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Michael J. O’Sullivan will step into the position on January 1, 2026. O’Sullivan joins from Snap Inc. and previously spent over twenty years at Munger, Tolles & Olson advising on governance, litigation, and major transactions.

Together, these appointments underscore Berkshire Hathaway’s longstanding focus on selecting leaders who embody its culture, demonstrate strong judgment, and preserve the company’s distinctive decentralized approach.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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HomeServices of America

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Appoints New Leadership: Sam Guillen and Alec Bruice Step into Key Roles

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties has announced the promotion of Sam Guillen to Broker of Record and Alec Bruice to Manager of Broker Administration, marking an exciting new phase for the company. Both leaders bring extensive knowledge of the company’s internal operations, strengths, and growth potential.

With 32 years in the industry, Sam Guillen has been an integral part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties since 2013. His experience spans various roles, including sales associate, Branch Manager, Director of Education and Training, and Vice President, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on every aspect of the business.

“I’m excited about the chance to reinforce our standing as one of the most professional, respected brokerages in the nation,” said Guillen. He also shared his pride in being the first Latino American to hold a senior executive role within the company. Guillen, a native of Downey, California, and a San Diego resident for the past 25 years, is committed to enhancing the client experience by strengthening the company’s training and communication platforms.

Known for his innovative leadership, Guillen launched Go Live, a live-streamed broadcast during the pandemic, which has since evolved into a weekly podcast. This platform continues to keep agents informed, offering valuable market insights and dynamic strategies. Guillen also co-produces a nationwide podcast with Jimmy Burgess, Chief Coaching Officer of HomeServices of America, providing industry insights from top producers.

Guillen emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and technology in the evolving real estate landscape. “Learning is essential to success because it allows us to identify new growth opportunities,” he said. “The key is to embrace the latest technology and leverage it for the maximum possible benefit.”

Alec Bruice: Leveraging Legal Expertise for Real Estate Success

Alec Bruice brings a unique blend of legal and real estate experience to his new role as Manager of Broker Administration. A former litigation attorney, Bruice transitioned to residential sales in 2010, earning his real estate license in 2006. His leadership experience in both fields positions him to bridge the gap between agents and legal matters, ensuring swift and effective solutions for clients.

“My legal background has been invaluable in helping agents navigate complex transactions,” said Bruice. “Time is of the essence in real estate, and I’m committed to expediting solutions and ensuring our clients receive the best possible outcome.”

Guillen and Bruice are focused on empowering agents at every stage of their careers, providing them with the tools, training, and guidance needed to succeed. Alongside Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties President Brent Consedine, they are setting the tone for the next generation of real estate leadership through authenticity, innovation, and inclusion.

With enhanced mentorship programs, streamlined transactions, and improved client services on the horizon, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is positioning itself for continued success in the ever-evolving real estate market. To learn more or join the team, visit www.bhhscalifornia.com/careers
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties supports more than 2,200 sales associates across 42 offices from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. In 2024, the company facilitated over 6,700 transactions, totaling $11.4 billion in sales volume. A wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America, Inc., the company continues to lead the way in innovation, client service, and real estate excellence.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Names Cathy Miller to Head of North America Property Team

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has promoted Cathy Miller to Head of North America Property and announced several other promotions within its North America Property team.

As Head of North America Property, Cathy will oversee the insurer’s general property, energy, builder’s risk and marine business in the U.S. and Canada. She was previously Global Property Underwriting Officer. In other newly announced promotions:

• Greg Freeman has been named U.S. Retail Leader, General Property. In addition to his new role, Greg will continue to play an integral role in BHSI’s North America builder’s risk business. He was previously Head of Retail General Property, U.S. Eastern Region.

• Mark Lees has been named Global Property Underwriting Officer. He was previously Head of Retail General Property, U.S. Western Region.

• Scott Johnson has been named Head of Retail General Property, U.S. Eastern Region. He was previously Head of Retail General Property, U.S. Northeast Region.

• Alison McVeigh has been named Head of Retail General Property, U.S. Northeast Region. She was previously Vice President, U.S. Northeast Region Property.

• Manny Dewani has been named Head of Retail General Property, U.S. Western Region. He was previously Vice President, U.S. Western Region Property.

“BHSI has an exceptional team of individuals with excellent capabilities and strong character bringing our reliable capacity, risk engineering and CLAIMS IS OUR PRODUCT philosophy to the marketplace,” said Sanjay Godhwani, President of North America, BHSI. “I am pleased to tap into our deep bench of talent in making these promotions. All of these leaders have pivotal roles to play as we continue to expand our property portfolio in North America and around the globe.”

BHSI offers a full line of property, builder’s risk and marine insurance products and services in North America and around the world.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Appoints Pedro Mairos Global Underwriting Officer, Marine

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has appointed Pedro Mairos as Global Underwriting Officer, Marine. He was previously Head of Marine for the UK & Ireland at BHSI.

“Our large global footprint coupled with the substantial growth of our Marine business made now the optimal time to deepen the global leadership of our marine underwriting team worldwide,” said Dean LaPierre, Chief Underwriting Officer, Property & Marine, BHSI. “We are pleased to have such a deep bench of talent across both underwriting and claims to service our marine customers and brokers in local markets around the globe.”

Pedro joined BHSI in 2019. He has more than two decades of experience in the global marine market, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He will continue to be based in London.

BHSI offers a full range of marine insurance products worldwide, including inland transit, motor truck cargo, warehouse legal liability, builder’s risk, contractor’s equipment, ocean cargo, stock throughputs, project cargo, and marine equipment, including subsea equipment.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Names Anselm Waigand to Head of Risk Engineering, Germany

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has appointed Anselm Waigand as Head of Risk Engineering, Germany. He was previously Senior Risk Engineer at BHSI in Frankfurt, Germany.

“Anselm has been at the forefront of our efforts to expand our risk engineering team and capabilities in Germany and throughout the region,” said Leander Metzger, Head of Property, Engineered Lines and Risk Engineering, DACH region. “I am so pleased to have him now leading our growing risk engineering team in Germany as we deploy our deep technical expertise locally in Europe.”

Anselm joined BHSI in 2020, and has more than 15 years of engineering experience at major global insurers. He holds a degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from Technical University Darmstadt, Germany.

He will continue to be based in Frankfurt.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Enters Swiss Market

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has opened a new office in Zurich, Switzerland, and appointed Leander Metzger as Country Manager.

“Establishing this new office in Zurich reflects our focus on expanding our presence and relationships throughout the DACH region. It is another important step in our strategy to steadily grow our capabilities, our team, and our local presence throughout Europe,” said Andreas Krause, Head of DACH, BHSI. “Leander has had great success building European relationships and we are excited to have him lead our expansion in Switzerland.”

BHSI is now underwriting property, casualty, and executive & professional lines in Switzerland and expects to launch several other product lines there in the coming months.

“We look forward to building our team in Zurich and bringing BHSI’s commitment to excellent technical underwriting and service and our CLAIMS IS OUR PRODUCT® philosophy to customers and brokers throughout Switzerland,” said Leander Metzger, Country Manager Switzerland. Leander has more than 25 years of industry experience. He joined BHSI in June 2016 as Head of Property, Engineering Lines and Risk Control, and will retain that position along with his new role. Before coming to BHSI, Leander held management positions with both insurance brokers and insurers.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.