Starbucks CEO sparks anger over “super commute” on corporate jet

Critics of the coffee group say the commute is at odds with Starbucks’ public stance on green issues.

Newly-appointed CEO of Starbucks Brian Niccol has provoked outrage after it came to light that he will be commuting around 1,600km to get to work on a company private jet.
Niccol, who will assume his duties on 9 September, will travel from his home in Newport Beach, California, to Starbucks’ headquarters in Seattle, rather than relocating.
Flights between Seattle and Newport Beach generally take between 2.5 to 3 hours, with the distance being greater than the trajectory between Berlin and Rome.
In Starbucks’ offer letter to Niccol, the firm said: “During your employment with the company, you will not be required to relocate to the company’s headquarters.”
It clarified: “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.”
Speaking to CNBC, a Starbucks spokesperson explained that Niccol will be expected to work from the Seattle office at least three days a week to comply with the firm’s policy on hybrid working.
“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,” the spokesperson explained.
“His schedule will exceed the hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations we have for all partners.”
The coffee chain has also said that it will create a remote office in Newport Beach for Niccol to use.
As news of the job conditions broke, a number of social media users expressed their anger over the proposed “super commute” of Starbucks’ new CEO.
“Hey @Starbucks now onwards don’t preach about sustainability, reducing carbon footprint or CSR [corporate social responsibility],” said one user on X.
Another commented: “Is this corporate hypocrisy at its peak—Starbucks introducing paper straws and cups while pushing towards sustainability?”
On the coffee company’s website, Starbucks sets out its environmental goals, claiming that it “has a bold aspiration to be a resource positive company”.
“A strong model for corporate climate leadership; Starbucks has developed clear and ambitious targets that prioritise sustainability from farmer to customer,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, cited by Starbucks.
“Just as significantly, they are backing these commitments with immediate actions to reduce their footprint and invest in nature.” 
Many now claim that Starbucks’ climate-friendly policies have been soured by the recent news.
Niccol’s annual salary will be $1.6m (€1.4m), although he is also eligible for a performance-related bonus of as much as $7.2m (€6.48m) – and up to $23m (€20.69m) a year in Starbucks shares.
Formerly the boss of Mexican fast food chain Chipotle, the new CEO will replace outgoing boss Laxman Narasimhan.