Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Named Among Worst CEOs of 2025 Despite Stock Surge
Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) shares climbed nearly 2.5% in Tuesday trading even as CEO Brian Niccol landed on 24/7 Wall St.'s list of worst CEOs for 2025. The coffee chain's stock has plummeted from $117 to $85 per share since March, prompting analysts to conclude Niccol has 'damaged the company' and shareholders have 'paid the price.'
The embattled executive's turnaround plans—including repositioning Starbucks as a 'third place' and relying heavily on baristas—have failed to stem the bleeding. Market reaction appears divorced from operational performance, with investors momentarily shrugging off leadership concerns.