Starbucks’ new boss has yet to take office, but his working conditions sparked controversy Thursday: Brian Niccol will have access to a jet owned by the American group to travel to the headquarters, located about 1,600 kilometers from his home.
• Also read: Drop in attendance: Starbucks changes boss
“You will be able to use the company aircraft for (…) travel between your city of residence and the company’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington,” said the letter from the board of directors offering the position to the executive, published Thursday on the website of the American stock market watchdog.
A former CEO of the Mexican fast-food chain Chipotle, Brian Niccol lives in Newport Beach, a California town south of Los Angeles, about a 2-hour 40-minute flight from Seattle.
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“During the term of your employment with the Company, you will not be required to relocate to the Company’s headquarters,” the letter states.
“You agree to commute between your home and the Company’s headquarters (and make other business trips) in the performance of your duties and responsibilities.”
The news has caused controversy on social media, with some users accusing Starbucks of hypocrisy as the coffee chain regularly highlights its environmental efforts, such as eliminating plastic straws.
Environmental activists accuse private jet users of causing much higher CO2 emissions than commercial flights, and some associations have stepped up actions against these planes.
Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request from AFP.
AFP
Like many other companies, Starbucks requires its administrative employees to come into the office at least three days a week, and the new boss will be no exception.
It will also have a relocated office in Newport Beach.
The company, which has been suffering from a drop in activity for several months in a context of rising prices and pressure from shareholders, announced at the beginning of August the departure with immediate effect of its boss Laxman Narasimhan, in office for sixteen months.
Brian Niccol will be paid an annual base salary of $1.6 million.
