(Reuters) -Berkshire Hathaway's ( BRK/A ) board voted unanimously to name Greg Abel president and CEO starting next year, CNBC reported on Monday, citing sources.

The move officially initiates the transition that will see CEO Warren Buffett step aside after six decades at the helm of the conglomerate. He will remain chairman of the board, the report said.

Buffett surprised shareholders on Saturday, when he said he would step down as CEO at the end of the year.

Abel and most of Berkshire's board of directors were not aware of his plans prior to the announcement.

Buffett had said the conglomerate's board would meet on Sunday to discuss the transition.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)