Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol faces criticism over 1000-mile commute

Brian Niccol is set to take the leadership of the world’s largest coffee shop chain on 9 September.

The newly-appointed CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol, is facing criticism after it was revealed that he will commute nearly 1,000 miles (1,600km) from his family home in Newport Beach, California, to the company's headquarters in Seattle using a corporate jet.

Critics have pointed out what they perceive as an inconsistency between Starbucks' public commitment to environmental issues and the lifestyle choices of its top executives.

Mr. Niccol is set to assume the leadership of the world’s largest coffee shop chain on 9 September.

A Starbucks spokesperson told the BBC that Mr. Niccol will have a primary office in Seattle, where he will spend most of his time when not "visiting partners and customers" around the globe.

Mr. Niccol’s job offer did specify that he would "not be required to relocate to the company’s headquarters," but it also stated: "You agree to commute from your residence to the company’s headquarters... as is required to perform your duties and responsibilities."

The document indicates that he will be permitted to use the company’s aircraft for "business related travel" and for "travel between [his] city of residence and the company's headquarters."

Starbucks also announced that it would establish a small remote office in Newport Beach for Mr. Niccol to use while working from California.

Starbucks has a hybrid work policy requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week.

“Brian’s schedule will exceed the hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations we have for all partners," a Starbucks spokesperson said.

The coffee chain also mentioned that Mr. Niccol is likely to purchase a home in Seattle and is not expected to commute daily.