Meet Ajit Jain, who was once a salesman and unemployed, is now the right hand of the sixth richest man in the world, and his net worth is…
Ajit Jain is widely regarded as one of the most influential Indian business leaders in the United States.
Warren Buffett, long-time CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, announced at the 2025 annual shareholder meeting that he will resign by the end of this year. According to Forbes, Buffett is the sixth richest man in the world, with a net worth of $133 billion.
At the 2025 annual conference, Buffett postponed his question about artificial intelligence (AI) to Ajit Jain, one of his most trusted executives. Jain acknowledges the change potential of AI, especially in how to change the way risk assessment, pricing and insurance claims. But, he warned not to be swept by hype, noting that Berkshire was never the first promoter of emerging technologies. Instead, Jain emphasizes a cautious, measure approach: “We have not yet been conscious of putting a lot of money into this opportunity, a lot of effort…but if the opportunity pops up, we will be in a state where we will jump into it quickly.”
Who is Ajit Jain?
Insurance Vice Chairman Ajit Jain and Berkshire Hathaway are widely regarded as one of the most influential Indian business leaders in the United States. Jain's journey was born in Odisha and began with a degree in mechanical engineering from IIT Kharagpur and followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. After serving at IBM and McKinsey, Jain joined Berkshire Hathaway in 1986.
Buffett often praised Jain's ability, famously writing to Jain's parents in India asking them if they had “another son” because “no one likes Ajit”. In a shareholder letter, Buffett called in that “a win decision” and said, “If there is another ajit, you can swap me for him, don’t hesitate.” Jain’s expertise in assessing and pricing risks has brought tens of billions of dollars in value to Berkshire shareholders, and Buffett praised him as an insurance business that built a $37 billion buoy and consistent underwriting profits.
Jain's net worth is reportedly $200 million, an indispensable part of Berkshire's success. Despite Greg Abel's appointment as the next CEO, Buffett repeatedly highlights Jain's unique talents in managing Berkshire's insurance empire and his key role in managing Berkshire.
