Warren Buffett, popularly called the ‘Oracle of Omaha’ was born nearly a century ago today. Having built a multi-billion dollar empire with Berkshire Hathaway with a Rs 1.08 lakh crore market cap ratio, he is the longest serving CEO with a tenure spanning nearly six decades. With a net worth of Rs 14,920 crores, he announced his retirement earlier this year.
From treating his portfolio as an investment bible, Warren Buffett is not only known for being the fifth-richest man on Earth but also starting his investment journey at the young age of 14. But, he has led a relatively modest life so far. After purchasing his current home in Omaha for $31,000, today, it is worth more than $1 million. Like all of his investment lessons, patience has been the driving force of his success. Instead of buying into the uber-luxurious lifestyle, the Oracle of Omaha opted to be a little different from the other CEOs. However, here’s what brings the following CEOs a little close, their age.
10 oldest CEOs of all time
- Warren Buffett
At the age of 95, the former Berkshire Hathaway CEO has held the position since 1965. The American investor and philanthropist is the son of US congressman Howard Buffett who attended Wharton Business School and Columbia and molded his career around philosophy after reaching a pioneer in finance. He recently announced his retirement and made way for Greg Abel to take his place.
- Roger S Penske ($3.8 billion)
Born in 1937, he has been ruling the Penske Automotive Group for over 20 years. Known as “the Captain,” he is a auto racing car owner, businessman and even a professional driver. Today at 83, he owns Team Penske, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and other auto racing-related enterprises. He is the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, which oversees his diverse business ventures. Additionally, Penske has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- Robert Greenberg ($97.2 million)
The CEO and founder of Skechers, at 83 leads the fashion innovator of footwear. Giving more than four decades to his brainchild, Skechers is now a $8.97 billion brand with presence across the globe. Since its inception in 1992, Greenberg has served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer after his firm became one of the top players in the footwear segment giving steep competition to players like Nike and Asics.
- Albert Nahmad ($ 1.4 billion)
The CEO and leader of Watsco since 1972, he leads his company even in his eighties. Expanding through acquisitions, and high value networking, Watsco grew from a market capitalisation of $22 million in 1989 to $7.3 billion at the end of 2023.
- Seifollah Ghasemi ($180 million)
Former President/CEO of Air Products had headlined several companies well into his 70s. Building oil and natural gas giant, he made significant contribution to the energy sector dealing with products like oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, specialty surfactants and amines, used in the beverage, health, and semiconductor fields.
- AJ Treague ($94 million)
A.J. Teague became COO and Director of Enterprise GP after the EPE-EPD merger in November 2010. With over 13 years of leadership experience, Teague held key roles, including Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer at EPGP and DEP GP. He joined Enterprise Products in 1999 following its acquisition of Shell’s midstream assets and has led the firm actively even in his 70s.
- Stephen Schwarzman ($43 billion)
Born in 1947, the 75-year-old American businessman is the chairman and CO of the Blackstone Group, the global private equity firm. Similar to Buffett, his first business venture was as early as 14 years after which he went on to attend both, Wharton and Harvard Business School. Blackstone today, has $1.1 trillion assets as of September 2024.
- Richard Adkerson ($263 million)
Recenrly took the position as Chairman in February 2021, Adkerson at 75 was previously the CEO of Freeport McMoRan since 2003. He has also remained the partner and managing director at Arthur Anderson and Co where headed the global oil and gas operations.
- John F Barrett ($ 7 million)
CEO since 1994, the 74 year old Chairman-President and CEO of the Western & Southern Financial Group revolutionised the firm in his 15 year tenure. After managing, owning, and caring for assets worth $100 billion, Barrett braved through the 2008 Great Depression and kept the Group afloat through the hard times.
- Albert Yuan Chao
This 74 year old former President and CEO of Westlake Corporation has been at the helm of 9 companies. He has a significant member of the board of several companies and holds the position among the richest Asians of all time. His family net worth is approximated at $4 billion.
