Starbucks CEO will supercommute 1,600 km on company jet 3 times a week instead of relocating

Starbucks’ incoming CEO, Brian Niccol, will embark on an extraordinary daily commute of 1,600 kilometers as he steps into his new role next month. The 50-year-old, who resides in California, will travel daily to the company’s headquarters in Seattle. According to his offer letter, Niccol will make use of a corporate jet for his commute, ensuring he meets the company's hybrid work policy, which mandates that executives work from the Seattle office at least three days a week.

Niccol, whose compensation package includes a $1.6 million base salary, can also earn a performance-based cash bonus ranging from $3.6 million to $7.2 million annually. In addition, he will be eligible for equity awards valued up to $23 million annually. This is not the first time Niccol has arranged such a unique commuting arrangement. During his tenure as CEO of Chipotle in 2018, he brokered a similar deal. Chipotle, headquartered in Colorado at the time, relocated its headquarters to California shortly after Niccol's appointment.

A Starbucks spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that Niccol’s primary office will be in the Seattle Support Center, but he will also spend significant time traveling to stores, roasteries, and other facilities globally. "His schedule will exceed our hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations for all partners," the spokesperson added.