Starbucks' new CEO granted use of company jet for 1,000-mile commute to Seattle HQ

New Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol, will not be a regular presence at the company’s Seattle headquarters when he takes on the role next month. Instead, he will commute weekly from his home in California.

This arrangement was disclosed in Niccol’s offer letter last week, which allows him to operate from a "small remote office" in Newport Beach, California, rather than relocating permanently to Seattle. To facilitate his commute, Starbucks is providing a corporate jet for his travels.

A Starbucks spokesperson told CNN, "Brian Niccol has proven himself to be one of the most effective leaders in our industry, generating significant financial returns over many years. We're confident in his experience and ability to serve as the leader of our global business and brand, delivering long-term, enduring value for our partners, customers and shareholders."

However, Niccol's use of a private jet has raised concerns about the environmental impact, especially given Starbucks' recent efforts to promote sustainability, such as introducing cups with less plastic and eliminating plastic straws.

Jet travel is a significant source of carbon emissions, contributing approximately 800 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to the International Energy Agency. Greenpeace criticised the arrangement on social media, calling it "unacceptable" and linking to a petition to ban private jets. The environmental group declined further comment when contacted by CNN.

Despite their smaller size, private jets are reported to consume up to 10 times more fuel per passenger mile than commercial jets, according to the Institute for Policy Studies.

Niccol is expected to travel frequently, visiting Starbucks stores and staff worldwide, as he oversees a global network of 39,000 stores and 450,000 employees.

In 2023, Starbucks mandated that corporate employees work from the office three days a week, with those near the Seattle headquarters required to be present on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and another day agreed upon with their managers.

Niccol, who has a base salary of $1.6 million and a $10 million signing bonus, could earn additional millions depending on the company’s annual performance, as stated in Starbucks' regulatory filings.

Earlier this month, Starbucks announced Niccol would succeed Laxman Narasimhan, whose tenure as CEO lasted less than two years. Niccol’s mission is to revitalise Starbucks, replicating the success he achieved at Chipotle over the past six years.