Berkshire (BRK-A) Adds Fourth Buffett Replacement to Pool

For several years Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A) has said they have three people in mind that could replace CEO Warren Buffett when the time comes for that to happen.

They said in a recent regulatory filing that they've now added a fourth candidate as a possible Buffett replacement.

One thing known about the Berkshire plan to replace Buffett will his role will be distributed in three parts - chief executive officer, chairman and several investment managers.

Adding a fourth potential candidate to the succession plans seems to strengthen speculation that has swirled around Burlington Northern Santa Fe CEO Matt Rose that he has been a contender for the position, which most think of as CEO when focusing on the future Berkshire succession process.

As far as the position of chairman, Buffett has made a personal recommendation that his son Howard fill that role, citing the desire to see the culture of Berkshire maintained.