Starbucks’ New CEO to Fly 1,600 km from California to Seattle 3 Times a Week—On the Company’s Jet

Brian Niccol, the new CEO of Starbucks, will start his role in September and has chosen to commute from his home in California to the company’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington. This commute covers nearly 1,600 kilometers, and Niccol plans to make the trip three times a week, according to an offer letter filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 11.

The offer letter states that Niccol will have access to Starbucks’ corporate jet for these commutes, with the company covering the travel costs. He will also use the jet for other business trips as needed.

Starbucks confirmed that Niccol will officially begin as CEO on September 9. The company has also mentioned that Niccol is not required to move to Seattle. Instead, he will commute from California and work from a small remote office that Starbucks is setting up for him in Newport Beach, California.

Most of Niccol’s time will be spent at the Seattle headquarters or traveling to visit Starbucks stores, roasting facilities, and offices worldwide, as reported by CNBC. His work schedule will go beyond the typical hybrid work expectations for other employees.

Niccol, who is 50 years old, will receive an annual salary of $1.6 million, with the potential to earn a cash bonus between $3.6 million and $7.2 million. He will also be eligible for an equity award worth $23 million, according to the SEC filing.

Previously, Niccol held a similar arrangement as CEO of Chipotle in 2018, where the company relocated its headquarters from Denver to California to accommodate his preferred working location. This kind of arrangement is common for top executives who have more leverage in negotiating their terms of employment.