(Reuters) – Berkshire Hathaway Inc has announced that Tom Murphy, former chief of Capital Cities/ABC Inc, and longtime friend Warren Buffett, has resigned its board of directors following a battle with COVID-19.

Buffett stated that Murphy, 96 years old, called him Monday to inform him of his recovery and asked him if he felt more at ease ending his Berkshire activities. His request was accepted by me. I will remain a shareholder major and friend of his.”

Murphy has been a Berkshire director ever since 2003.

After the 2020 resignation of Bill Gates from its board, Buffett was also a friend. He had been co-founder. Microsoft Corp After 16 years of dedicated service, (NASDAQ:). Walter Scott was also a director who died September.

Ken Chenault (the former chief executive officer of Gates) replaced Gates. American Express Co (NYSE:), large Berkshire investment.

Berkshire’s board was expanded in 2021 by Buffett’s daughter Susan Buffett, and Christopher Davis, chairman of Davis Select Advisors.

Berkshire didn’t immediately identify a replacement to Murphy. There are three more Berkshire directors in their 90s. They include Charlie Munger, Berkshire vice chair, Buffett, and David “Sandy” Gottesman.

Buffett explained that Tom Murphy had taught him more things about business management than any other person. We have been close friends for over 50 years. He is my only regret.