1. Berkshire Hathaway announces executive changes ahead of Buffett's departure. 2. Todd Combs, Geico CEO, leaves for JPMorgan's new initiative with significant funding. 3. Nancy Pierce becomes new CEO of Geico, effective immediately. 4. Buffett will remain as chairman, but succession concerns loom over Abel. 5. Berkshire shares rose 11% this year, trailing behind the S&P 500.