A report by The Wall Street Journal says Berkshire Hathaway has identified Charlie Shamieh as the likely successor to Ajit Jain, the group’s Vice Chairman of Insurance Operations.

Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ said the timing of the transition remains uncertain, with Shamieh expected to take over leadership of Berkshire’s insurance operations once Jain retires.

Shamieh holds decades of experience in the industry, having previously spent time at American International Group and Munich Re, before joining Berkshire’s Gen Re in 2018.

Earlier this year, Buffett reportedly told WSJ that Jain was “probably going to be at the company for as long as he can.”

Should Jain stay for years, the people familiar with the matter noted that Berkshire could ultimately choose a different successor.

Re/insurance has long been one of Berkshire’s most important businesses, of which Jain has been head for four decades.

Just this weekend, the American multinational conglomerate holding company disclosed increased net underwriting earnings from its insurance and reinsurance businesses of $1.717 billion for Q1 2026, a roughly 29% increase on the prior year.

The company has again cited a competitive property reinsurance market and lower rate environment as a cause of a reduction in premiums written in that segment in Q1 of this year.

The succession planning at Berkshire Hathaway extends beyond its insurance operations. In May last year, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Greg Abel, previously Vice Chairman of Non-Insurance Operations, as President and CEO effective January 1, 2026, following a recommendation from Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett.

Abel now leads the company, while Buffett remains Chairman of the Board.