Starbucks new CEO Brian Niccol under fire over 1,000 mile private jet commute

The new boss of Starbucks has been sharply criticised after it was revealed he would be making a 1,000 mile commute to the job by private jet.

Brian Niccol will commute from his home in Newport Beach, California to the firm's headquarters in Seattle by corporate jet when he starts the role on September 9.

Critics have accused the company of greenwashing its eco-credentials by boasting of environmental initiatives while allowing its incoming CEO to travel by private jet.

According to a job offer published online, Mr Niccol will not be required to relocate to Seattle, but will instead “commute from your residence to the Company’s headquarters”.

Starbucks will provide a company aircraft for “business related travel" and for "travel” between Newport Beach and Seattle.

However, the coffee chain - the world’s largest - said it would also set up a small remote office in Newport Beach for Mr Niccol to use when working from California.

Mr Niccol will be expected to commute three times a week under the company’s flexible working policy.

One critic on social media 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 added: “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.”

According to a report released by Oxfam last year, the carbon footprint of the 0.1% – including their use of private jets and superyachts – is 77 times higher than the upper level required for global warming to peak at 1.5C.

Mr Niccol, 50, will be paid a base salary of $1.6 million annually and could earn bonuses of up to $7.2 million depending on his performance annually, alongside lucrative share options.

He successfully negotiated a similar deal when he became the CEO of Chipotle in 2018.

The Standard has contacted Starbucks for comment.

New Starbucks boss faces online storm over 1,000-mile commute by private jet

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