Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol granted private jet for commute from California to Seattle HQ

Niccol's jet deal raises questions as Starbucks aims to reduce waste by 50% and move to sustainable packaging by 2030.

Starbucks has granted its newly appointed CEO, Brian Niccol, the luxury of a corporate jet to commute from his southern California mansion to the company’s Seattle headquarters. 

The deal, revealed in Niccol’s offer letter, allows him to maintain a "small remote office" at his Newport Beach home without the need to permanently relocate. 

Niccol, who recently transitioned from leading Chipotle Mexican Grill, replaces former CEO Laxman Narasimhan.

Despite the convenience, the jet arrangement seems at odds with Starbucks’ green initiatives, including their commitment to shift entirely to reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2030 and to cut waste by 50%. 

Private jets, known for burning 10 times more fuel per passenger mile than commercial flights, contribute significantly to carbon emissions. 

The International Energy Agency notes that jet travel, both commercial and personal, contributes to more than 2% of global energy-related emissions. 

Niccol’s contract allows him to use Starbucks' company plane for both business-related and personal travel, with a cap of $250,000 annually. 

His primary office will remain in Seattle, though his extensive travel will likely take him to many of the company's 39,000 global locations. 

Niccol stands to earn over $113 million in his new role, including a $1.6 million base salary and a $10 million signing bonus, alongside additional cash incentives tied to the company's performance.