GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen just put 'parasitic' bosses on blast. Michael Burry sees shades of Warren Buffett.
Business Insider
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen recently published a scathing critique of corporate executives, titled "The Hollow Men," on X. Drawing inspiration from Warren Buffett's shareholder letters, Cohen targeted what he called a "parasitic class" of directors, executives, and managers who prioritize personal gain over company success. He accused these individuals of avoiding risks, shirking accountability, and relying on consultants to deflect blame rather than taking ownership of their actions. Cohen emphasized the need for a return to an "owner's mentality," where leaders treat shareholders' investments as their own. His message was clear: businesses will only remain honest if executives are willing to stake their own financial futures on their companies' outcomes.
Michael Burry, known for his role in *The Big Short* and as a GameStop shareholder, praised Cohen's approach, describing him as having "rougher edges than Buffett" but aligning with the legendary investor's principles. Burry highlighted Cohen's potential to transform GameStop through acquisitions, much like Buffett did with Berkshire Hathaway. While Cohen has diverged from Buffett in some areas—such as investing in Bitcoin and agreeing to a significant performance-based compensation package—he shares Buffett's emphasis on frugality, stakeholder alignment, and rejecting a salary as CEO. These similarities have drawn comparisons between Cohen and Buffett, with many seeing Cohen as a modern leader applying Buffett's timeless principles to today's business landscape.
Cohen's critique resonates with broader concerns about corporate governance and accountability. He criticized independent directors for failing to invest their own money in the companies they oversee and for prioritizing compliance over bold decision-making. Drawing parallels to Buffett's observations, Cohen warned that without meaningful reforms, iconic American businesses risk being hollowed out by fees and misaligned incentives, leaving shareholders footing the bill. His message is a call to action for leaders to embrace responsibility and prioritize long-term value creation over short-term gains.
Ultimately, Cohen's fiery post reflects a growing movement toward redefining corporate leadership in an era where trust, transparency, and accountability are increasingly valued by investors and stakeholders. By channeling Buffett's wisdom while adding his own modern twist, Cohen is positioning himself as a thought leader on issues of corporate governance and the role of executives in driving sustainable success. His critique not only sheds light on systemic problems within corporate America but also offers a roadmap for leaders looking to align their interests with those of the businesses they run. For readers interested in business and finance, Cohen's message is a compelling reminder that leadership—and its impact—ultimately hinges on whether executives are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/19/2026