Newly appointed Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol will commute weekly from his Newport Beach, California home to the coffee giant’s Seattle headquarters. Niccol, who takes the helm next month, has been granted a corporate jet for his travels, allowing him to maintain a “small remote office” at his home rather than relocating permanently to Seattle.
Climate Concerns Arise Over Niccol’s Private Jet Commute
Niccol’s private jet arrangement has sparked criticism from environmental groups like Greenpeace, which highlighted the significant carbon emissions associated with jet travel. Starbucks, a company positioned as environmentally conscious, recently introduced eco-friendly initiatives such as reducing plastic in its cups and eliminating plastic straws. The irony of Niccol’s carbon-heavy commute has not gone unnoticed, raising questions about the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Starbucks Faces Challenges with New Leadership
Niccol is stepping into the role with a $1.6 million base salary, a $10 million signing bonus, and the potential to earn millions more based on the company’s performance. He is expected to travel frequently, visiting Starbucks’ 39,000 stores and 450,000 employees worldwide. This comes as Starbucks continues to enforce its three-day in-office requirement for corporate employees, a policy introduced in 2023.
