21 august 2024 : Newly appointed Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is not anticipated to move to Seattle to operate from the company’s headquarters. Instead, he will have access to the company jet for travel between his residence in California and the Seattle office three times a week, as outlined in his offer letter disclosed in a recent SEC filing.
This situation has been described as a striking illustration of the inconsistency exhibited by large corporations regarding climate change, particularly given Starbucks’ current initiative to provide paper straws globally in an effort to phase out single-use plastics.
Details from Brian Niccol’s offer letter indicate that he will receive an annual base salary of $1.6 million as the CEO of Starbucks. The letter specifies that he is not obligated to relocate to the headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Instead, he is required to commute from his residence to the headquarters and undertake other business travel necessary for fulfilling his responsibilities.
As reported by CNBC, this commute spans approximately 1,000 miles, or around 1,600 kilometers. Throughout his tenure at Starbucks, Brian Niccol will also have the privilege of utilizing the company aircraft for travel between his home and the Seattle headquarters.
A spokesperson for the company informed CNBC that Niccol is expected to work from the Seattle office at least three times a week, in accordance with Starbucks’ hybrid work policy. The spokesperson further noted, “Brian’s primary office and the majority of his time will be dedicated to our Seattle Support Center or visiting partners and customers in our stores, roasteries, roasting facilities, and offices globally.” They added that his schedule will surpass the hybrid work guidelines and expectations set for all employees.
The announcement of Niccol’s commuting arrangement has sparked significant outrage and critical responses on social media.
In response to the announcement, one user on X remarked, “It would be hypocritical to continue providing paper lids and straws.”
Another user commented, “We are required to use paper straws, yet their CEO travels by private jet.”
A third user expressed frustration, stating, “The CEO flies a private jet three times a week for work, yet Starbucks has the audacity to instruct us to use paper straws. I find this situation intolerable.”
