Abel, who is now vice president of non-insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway, travels often, yet still manages to coach his kids’ hockey, baseball and soccer teams, says Jim Cownie, a former cable executive and Iowa real estate investor. “How does a guy with that much responsibility do that? He just figures out a way,” Cownie said. “He’s an amazing human being.” Abel will succeed the 90-year-old Buffett as CEO. Buffett confirmed the succession plan Monday to CNBC after Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger let details of it slip during the Omaha, Nebraska-based company's annual meeting on Saturday. In an exchange with Munger, Buffett said Berkshire's extremely decentralized operating model wouldn't work unless the company has the right culture.