Starbucks Corporation has eliminated the $250,000 annual limit on CEO Brian Niccol’s personal use of the company jet following a security evaluation that identified potential safety risks. The decision comes amid heightened media scrutiny and credible security threats targeting the high-profile executive.
Mr. Niccol, who maintains his family residence in Newport Beach, California, regularly commutes approximately 1,000 miles to Starbucks’ Seattle headquarters using the corporate aircraft. Previously, his personal usage beyond the quarter-million dollar threshold required personal reimbursement to the company.
An independent security assessment conducted by a third-party firm determined that private aviation represents a necessary safety precaution for all of Mr. Niccol’s air travel, whether for business, commuting, or personal purposes. The review cited Mr. Niccol’s prominent leadership position, increased media attention surrounding Starbucks, and the current threat environment as contributing factors to this recommendation.
The company’s compensation committee proposed replacing the fixed cap with quarterly reviews of his flight usage, a measure approved by Starbucks’ board of directors in September. This arrangement will undergo regular reassessment every three months to ensure appropriate oversight.
The security evaluation also recommended implementing a dedicated car and driver service for ground transportation during Mr. Niccol’s visits to Seattle, further enhancing protective measures.
Mr. Niccol’s compensation package totaled approximately $31 million in 2025, with security expenses reaching $1.1 million plus an additional $997,000 specifically related to his aircraft usage for commuting and personal travel. This arrangement has previously drawn criticism regarding environmental consistency, as some stakeholders have noted disparities between Starbucks’ sustainability commitments and executive travel practices.
The original employment agreement, established when Mr. Niccol assumed leadership in 2024, explicitly stated he would not be required to relocate from California while committing to commute as necessary to fulfill his executive responsibilities, including authorized use of company aircraft for business and commuting purposes.