Starbucks’ New CEO Brian Niccol to Travel 1,000 Miles in Company Jet for Commute

Starbucks has granted its new chief executive access to a corporate jet for his 1,000-mile commute.

The company announced that Brian Niccol will be able to reside in his Newport Beach, California home and use the jet to travel to its Seattle, Washington offices when he assumes the role next month.

The largest coffee chain in the world stated that the 50-year-old executive will need to work at least three days a week at the headquarters, aside from travel for work commitments.

This move has been criticized for contradicting Starbucks’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by 2030 through eco-friendly practices like phasing out plastic straws.

Mr Niccol will receive a base salary of $1.6m (£1.2m) annually, with the potential to earn up to $100m (£76m) in bonuses and equity in his first year.

He will be allowed to utilize the corporate jet for “business-related trips,” travel between his residence and the company’s headquarters, and personal travels up to $250,000 (£191,000) per year, per company guidelines.

Additionally, he will have access to a remote office set up by Starbucks in Newport Beach, along with a personal assistant of his choice.

A Starbucks representative informed CNBC: “Brian’s primary office and the majority of his time will be spent at our Seattle Support Center or engaging with partners and customers globally.”

“His schedule will surpass the hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations set for all employees.”

This decision follows the announcement of the new chief executive, who previously led Chipotle, succeeding Laxman Narasimhan’s unexpected departure earlier this month.

Starbucks has experienced declining sales recently, attributed to reduced demand amid price hikes and boycotts related to the conflict in Gaza.

Mr Niccol, known for his leadership roles at major US fast-food chains like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, is praised for turning around Chipotle’s fortunes, nearly doubling its revenue during his tenure.

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Nevertheless, the corporate jet provision sparked online criticism and campaign group objections.

Alethea Warrington from climate charity Possible stated that the move “ridicules any claims of responsibility towards the climate by this company.”

She continued: “If Starbucks is genuinely committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 2030, it should start from the top down.”

On social media, a user commented: “No company truly concerned about climate would approve of this.”

Another remarked: “How can a 1,000-mile commute by private jet be justified? This undermines Starbucks’ sustainability efforts.”

A High Pay Centre spokesperson expressed: “In business leadership, it’s crucial for employees to observe consistency between what is expected of them and their superiors.

“It would appear unjust and indicate poor leadership if Niccol does not match the office presence demanded of other employees by the company.”

Sky News has reached out to Starbucks for a response.