In a surprising move, the management of the world’s largest coffee chain Starbucks has announced that its CEO can use the company’s private jet for official and private use, without any restrictions.
This is a step-up from the earlier perk offered to Brian Niccol who joined the company after the previous CEO Laxman Narasimhan was ousted unceremoniously in Aug. ‘24.
Previously, Niccol was responsible for charges from personal travel beyond USD 250,000. When he joined the company, he was allowed to operate from Newport, California, though the company was headquartered in Seattle.
The CEO travelled a 1,000 miles in the company’s jet and was allowed to work 3-days a week from Seattle office.
“Following a security review of risks, the Starbucks board of directors made the decision to enhance security measures for Brian,” a company spokesperson said.
“This included a decision by the board to require Brian to use private aircraft for all travel.”
According to a report by Bloomberg, In 2025, Niccol’s use of the jet cost the company just under USD 1 Mn while the total security costs totalled USD 1.1 Mn.
Starbucks also paid more than USD 370,000 in temporary housing expenses for Niccol in fiscal 2025, including about USD 244,000 of tax-related expenses.
Board members will now review Niccol’s travel on a quarterly, rather than annual, basis the note added.
Editor’s Note
Brian Niccol will go down history as one of the most pampered CXO in Indian Retail, thanks to a special love for him by the Board and the Founder of SBUX, Howard Shultz.
After hiring Niccol from Chipotle, a QSR chain in the US, SBUX offered him exciting benefits including USD 31 Mn in total compensation for FY 2025 including USD 5 Mn in bonus and USD 20 Mn in stock options.
Niccol’s 2025 earnings dropped 68% from FY 2024 when he earned USD 96 Mn.
Niccol began his career Procter & Gamble 25 years ago, followed by leadership roles at Chipotle Mexican Grill + Taco Bell and Yum! Brands which runs Pizza Hut.
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