Brian Niccol, the newly appointed CEO of Starbucks, has stirred some attention with the unique terms of his employment, as revealed in his offer letter. Unlike many executives who relocate for their roles, Niccol will continue living in Newport Beach, California, and commute over 1,000 miles to the company’s headquarters in Seattle. His commute will be facilitated by Starbucks’ private jet, which he can also use for other business-related travel and even personal trips, up to a maximum of $250,000 per year.
Niccol’s compensation package is substantial, including a base salary of $1.6 million per year, with the potential to earn an additional $3.6 million to $7.2 million in annual bonuses, depending on his performance. On top of that, he could receive equity awards worth up to $23 million annually. To further support Niccol in his new role, Starbucks will establish a small remote office in Newport Beach, maintained at the company’s expense, and allow him to appoint a personal assistant of his choosing to help manage his responsibilities from afar.
Despite the distance, Starbucks has emphasized that Niccol’s primary office will be in Seattle, where he will spend a majority of his time, in line with the company’s hybrid work policy. The policy requires office-based employees to work from the office at least three days a week, a commitment Niccol is expected to exceed. Starbucks has expressed confidence in Niccol’s ability to lead the company, noting his proven track record of success in previous roles, including his tenure as CEO of Taco Bell.
The decision to allow Niccol to commute rather than relocate reflects a broader trend in the corporate world, where flexible work arrangements are becoming more common to attract top talent. As companies increasingly recognize the need to adapt to the preferences of high-level executives, Niccol’s arrangement with Starbucks could signal a shift in how major corporations approach executive mobility and work-life balance.
