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Berkshire Hathaway's 90s Website Sparks Debate as New CEO Takes Over

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Berkshire Hathaway’s website remains a relic of the 1990s, featuring outdated graphics and a design untouched since the Netscape era. The site’s stagnant appearance reflects Warren Buffett’s famously low-tech ethos, who once joked he’d only sent one email in his career. Now, as CEO Greg Abel assumes leadership, fans fear any modernization could disrupt the company’s iconic, unpolished brand identity.

Buffett’s successor faces pressure to honor the legacy of the late investor while steering the conglomerate into the future. The website’s lack of updates mirrors Berkshire’s broader approach: minimal digital engagement despite its status as a global investment giant. Analysts note the site’s simplicity underscores Buffett’s philosophy of substance over flash, a trait many investors cherish.

Audrey Lee, a search-engine optimization expert, declared she’d sell her Berkshire shares if Abel overhauled the site, highlighting the visceral reaction to potential change. The website’s retro charm has become a symbol of Berkshire’s stability, with fans arguing that modernization risks alienating long-term supporters. Abel’s team has not commented on speculation about updates.

The controversy reveals broader tensions between tradition and progress in corporate branding. While some view the outdated site as a quirky asset, others question whether it undermines Berkshire’s relevance in an era dominated by tech-savvy competitors. For now, the website’s frozen-in-time aesthetic remains a defining feature of the Buffett era.