GameStop(US:GME) Business Insider·2026-02-19 17:15Core Viewpoint - Ryan Cohen criticizes a new class of corporate bureaucrats he terms "Risk-Free Insiders," advocating for an "owner's mentality" among corporate leaders to ensure accountability and align their interests with shareholders [1][7][14] Group 1: Criticism of Corporate Practices - Cohen condemns independent directors who prioritize job security over accountability, suggesting they are complicit in corporate mismanagement [1][2] - He highlights corporate executives who benefit from stock price increases without facing consequences for poor performance, receiving large bonuses or payouts regardless of their company's success [2][6] - Cohen also criticizes managers who evade responsibility by hiring expensive consultants, thereby shifting blame away from themselves [6][7] Group 2: Call for Change - Cohen emphasizes the need for corporate leaders to treat shareholders' money as their own, arguing that personal financial risk is essential for maintaining business integrity [7][8] - He warns that failure to adopt this mentality could lead to the deterioration of iconic American companies, benefiting only the insiders while shareholders suffer [8] Group 3: Parallels with Warren Buffett - Cohen's approach draws comparisons to Warren Buffett, who has similarly criticized overpaid executives and compliant directors, advocating for an owner's mentality [10][11] - Buffett's philosophy emphasizes that directors should have personal financial stakes in the companies they oversee, contrasting with the current trend of high fees incentivizing compliance [10][12] - While Cohen diverges from Buffett in some strategies, such as cryptocurrency investments, he shares a commitment to frugality and has built a significant stake in GameStop [13][14]