Starbucks’ newly hired CEO is being ripped for having a 1,000-mile commute to the company’s headquarters on a corporate jet.
Brian Niccol, who is set to run the coffee shop chain starting September 9, will be allowed to stay at his home in Newport Beach, California, and make the super-commute to Seattle, Washington, according to his offer letter revealed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Niccol will be eligible to fly on the company’s aircraft for ‘business-related travel’ between his city of residence and the headquarters, as well as for his personal travel up to $250,000 annually, states the letter.
He will not be required to relocate to Seattle, but will be subject to the company’s hybrid work policy of being in the office three days per week.
‘You agree to commute from your residence to the company’s headquarters… as is required to perform your duties and responsibilities,’ states the offer.
Niccol’s super-commute and the emissions it will generate clash with Starbucks’ green and environmentally friendly initiatives it has been pushing publicly.
Starbucks has agreed to set up a ‘small remote office’ for Niccol to work from in Newport Beach, and to reimburse him for moving expenses if he chooses to relocate to Seattle.
Amid backlash, a Starbucks spokesperson told CNBC Make It: ‘Brian’s primary office and a majority of his time will be spent in our Seattle Support Center or out visiting partners and customers in our stores, roasteries, roasting facilities and offices around the world.
‘His schedule will exceed the hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations we have for all partners.’
Many social media users criticized the new chief executive, who will be making a $1.6million annual base salary.
‘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,’ wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user.
Another wrote: ‘Good convenience for top talent! But hope we don’t see too many new “sustainability” and “environment” related ads from @starbucks?’
Starbucks has hired Niccol as it tries to boost a slowdown in its sales.
Niccol has been serving as CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, collecting a $1.3million base salary, and helping the fast food chain come back from the pandemic and food poisoning incidents.
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