Starbucks’ incoming CEO, Brian Niccol, has ignited controversy after it was revealed he will commute into the Seattle office using a private jet from his home in California.
The company’s offer letter specified Niccol would not need to relocate and would instead commute to the headquarters as necessary to fulfill his duties.
The Commuting Arrangement
In Starbucks’ offer letter, the company stated:
“During your employment with the company, you will not be required to relocate to the company’s headquarters… You agree to commute from your residence to the company’s headquarters (and engage in other business travel) as is required to perform your duties and responsibilities.”
Niccol is expected to work from the Seattle office at least three days a week, in line with the company’s hybrid work policies.
Starbucks will also provide Niccol with a small remote office in Newport Beach and an assistant of his choosing. The company added that this “office location will be maintained at the expense of the company.”
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Public Reaction
The decision to allow Niccol to commute via private jet has sparked significant backlash, with many pointing out the inconsistency between Starbucks’ environmental initiatives and the CEO’s carbon-intensive travel plans.
One critic on X said:
“The new Starbucks CEO is ‘supercommuting’ 1,000 miles to Seattle on a private jet to work, so don’t be too harsh on that waitress who gave you a plastic straw when you didn’t want one.”
Another said:
“Absolutely wild that it cost $85 million in cash/stock to pry this guy from Chipotle and then they’ll just let him thrash the environment to commute 1,000 miles 3 times a week on a corporate jet instead of having him move to the PNW.” (Pacific North West)
Another person highlighted the environmental hypocrisy:
“If this man is commuting regularly on a private jet, do not let @Starbucks convince you they are environmentally conscious. They get on us commoners about our cars, but things like private jets and yachts do way more damage to the environment per unit.”
Environmental Impact
The environmental implications of Niccol’s commute are significant. According to a report by Oxfam, the carbon footprint of the wealthiest 0.1%—including their use of private jets and superyachts—is 77 times higher than the level required for global warming to peak at 1.5°C.
Additionally, a 2021 report by the European Federation for Transport and Environment found private jets are up to 14 times more polluting per passenger than commercial planes and 50 times more polluting than trains.
