Starbucks Corporation has come under fire following the revelation that its newly appointed CEO, Brian Niccol, will be using a corporate jet to commute from his home in California to the company’s headquarters in Seattle. The news, disclosed in an SEC filing last week, has ignited a wave of criticism, especially given Starbucks’ recent efforts to promote sustainability.
Niccol, who resides in California, will commute approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) three days a week to reach Starbucks’ Seattle office. The CEO has not been asked to relocate to Seattle, a decision that has sparked concern over the environmental impact of his frequent air travel.
Social Media Reactions: Corporate Hypocrisy?
The news has not sat well with social media users, who were quick to point out the irony of Starbucks’ eco-friendly initiatives being seemingly undermined by its new CEO’s travel plans. Starbucks had previously earned praise for its commitment to sustainability, including the introduction of eco-friendly “green paper straws” and the discontinuation of plastic products across its global outlets.
One X user sarcastically commented, “Starbucks’ incoming CEO, Brian Niccol, will embark on an extraordinary daily commute of 1,600 kilometers. Is this corporate hypocrisy at its peak—Starbucks introducing paper straws and cups while pushing towards sustainability?”
Another user echoed the sentiment, noting the contrast between the company’s environmental messaging and Niccol’s travel plans: “Starbucks: We will use paper straws because of climate change. Also, Starbucks: Our CEO can use a company jet to travel 1600 km to the office 3x a week because he doesn’t need to relocate.”
Starbucks’ incoming CEO, Brian Niccol, will embark on an extraordinary daily commute of 1,600 kilometers. He’s 50-year-old, who resides in California, will travel daily to the company’s headquarters in Seattle
Is this corporate hypocrisy at its peak—Starbucks introducing paper… pic.twitter.com/jNaj5dvs1Y
— Fenil Kothari (@fenilkothari) August 21, 2024
Criticism Continues to Mount
Critics have also highlighted the environmental implications of Niccol’s commute, with one user pointing out that his private jet flights could easily eclipse the carbon footprint of countless Starbucks customers. Another social media user humorously compared the commute to the distance between Delhi and Hyderabad, implying that Starbucks’ focus should shift from minor environmental initiatives to addressing larger issues.
Starbucks’ new CEO will fly 1600 kms daily in a private jet for work
Meanwhile starbucks employees to customers: pic.twitter.com/EEigNwjitY
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) August 21, 2024
Starbucks: We will use paper straws because climate change 😰 🙌🏻 😭 😡
Also, Starbucks: Our CEO can use company jet to travel 1600 km to the office 3x a week because he don’t need to relocate 🤗 💌 😋 🤪 #starbucks
— Jasmin (@Jasminlochav) August 21, 2024
Niccol’s Compensation and Perks
Brian Niccol, who has succeeded Laxman Narasimhan as CEO of Starbucks, has not only been granted the flexibility to work from his California home but has also received a joining bonus of $10 million. His annual salary is estimated at around $1.6 million. The company has even provided him with a personal remote office in Newport Beach, close to his California residence.
Starbucks CEO will commute daily between California and Seattle for work in a private jet, it’s the same distance between Delhi and Hyderabad.
YOU worry about the straws, ICE and Electric! #Starbucks #Savetheplanet pic.twitter.com/J2uLz0Su3w
— 🅳🆁. 🅵🅸🆁🅴🔥🌊⚕️🩺 (@dr_sammd) August 22, 2024
As Starbucks continues to face backlash, the company will need to address concerns about whether its leadership’s actions align with its publicly stated values on sustainability.
