Critics of the coffee group say the commute is at odds with Starbucks’ public stance on green issues.
Newly-appointed CEO of Starbucks Brian Niccol has provoked outrage after it came to light that he will be commuting around 1,600km to get to work on a company private jet.
Niccol, who will assume his duties on 9 September, will travel from his home in Newport Beach, California, to Starbucks’ headquarters in Seattle, rather than relocating.
Flights between Seattle and Newport Beach generally take between 2.5 to 3 hours, with the distance being greater than the trajectory between Berlin and Rome.
In Starbucks’ offer letter to Niccol, the firm said: « During your employment with the company, you will not be required to relocate to the company’s headquarters. »
It clarified: « You agree to commute from your residence to the company’s headquarters (and engage in other business travel) as is required to perform your duties and responsibilities. »
Speaking to CNBC, a Starbucks spokesperson explained that Niccol will be expected to work from the Seattle office at least three days a week to comply with the firm’s policy on hybrid working.
« Brian’s primary office and a majority of his time will be spent in our Seattle Support Center or out visiting partners and customers in our stores, roasteries, roasting facilities and offices around the world, » the spokesperson explained.
« His schedule will exceed the hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations we have for all partners. »
The coffee chain has also said that it will create a remote office in Newport Beach for Niccol to use.
Accusations of hypocrisy
As news of the job conditions broke, a number of social media users expressed their anger over the proposed « super commute » of Starbucks’ new CEO.
« Hey @Starbucks now onwards don’t preach about sustainability, reducing carbon footprint or CSR [corporate social responsibility], » said one user on X.
Another commented: « Is this corporate hypocrisy at its peak—Starbucks introducing paper straws and cups while pushing towards sustainability? »
On the coffee company’s website, Starbucks sets out its environmental goals, claiming that it « has a bold aspiration to be a resource positive company ».
« A strong model for corporate climate leadership; Starbucks has developed clear and ambitious targets that prioritise sustainability from farmer to customer, » said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, cited by Starbucks.
« Just as significantly, they are backing these commitments with immediate actions to reduce their footprint and invest in nature. »
Many now claim that Starbucks’ climate-friendly policies have been soured by the recent news.
Niccol’s annual salary will be $1.6m (€1.4m), although he is also eligible for a performance-related bonus of as much as $7.2m (€6.48m) – and up to $23m (€20.69m) a year in Starbucks shares.
Formerly the boss of Mexican fast food chain Chipotle, the new CEO will replace outgoing boss Laxman Narasimhan.