Greg Abel made a point of stopping by every booth in the hall, greeting employees and shaking hands with shareholders.

For the first time, the 95-year-old Buffett won't be the central figure on stage, marking a new era for one of investing's most closely watched rituals.

Greg Abel made a point of stopping by every booth in the hall, greeting employees and shaking hands with shareholders.

Warren Buffett has loomed large at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meetings, and this will be a key challenge as new CEO Greg Abel takes center stage.

Warren Buffett has loomed large at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meetings, and this will be a key challenge as new CEO Greg Abel takes center stage.

Warren Buffett has loomed large at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meetings, and this will be a key challenge as new CEO Greg Abel takes center stage.