Jim Cramer defends Starbucks CEO amid sluggish turnaround
- Jim Cramer defended Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol following a disappointing quarter for the company.
- Cramer acknowledged the challenges facing Starbucks, differing from Niccol's previous successes at Chipotle.
- Despite concerns, Cramer remains optimistic about Starbucks and intends to invest again when opportunities arise.
In the United States, Jim Cramer publicly defended Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks, during a CNBC broadcast. This remark followed a disappointing earnings report from Starbucks, causing some analysts to express concerns about the pace of Niccol's turnaround strategy. Cramer acknowledged that the turnaround is challenging and noted that Niccol's previous success with Chipotle in under a year should not be directly compared to Starbucks, which presents different challenges. After selling shares of Starbucks earlier in 2025, Cramer expressed intentions to re-enter when conditions improve, focusing on the potential for revitalizing the brand's image. Niccol's interview emphasized a commitment to innovation and customer experience as focal points for revitalizing Starbucks, which has lagged in areas like new product offerings and digital engagement, marking a strategic shift after years of operational focus over consumer experience. Overall, Cramer's analysis highlights that despite the slow progress, he still believes in Niccol's capability to navigate Starbucks through its challenges, drawing on the CEO's track record with other brands.