Starbucks Removes Cap on CEO Brian Niccol’s Private Jet Use

Starbucks has eliminated the long-standing spending cap on CEO Brian Niccol’s use of the company’s private aircraft, a move the coffee giant says is driven by security concerns rather than executive perks. According to a recent regulatory filing, an independent security assessment identified “credible” risks that warrant enhanced protection for the company’s top executive.

Under the new policy, Brian Niccol is required to use Starbucks’ private jet for all air travel, including business, commuting and personal trips.

Security Review Cites Heightened Threat Landscape

The Seattle-based company said the change follows a third-party security study that considered Brian Niccol’s high-profile role, increased media attention and the broader threat environment facing corporate leaders. The review concluded that private aviation was the safest option for all of his travel.

Starbucks disclosed that the recommendation extends beyond business-related flights to include personal and commuting travel as well. Additional precautions were also advised for higher-risk destinations, including the use of dedicated car-and-driver services in Seattle.

What Changed From the Previous Policy?

Before the revision, Brian Niccol’s personal, non-commuting use of the company jet was capped at $250,000 per year. If that limit was exceeded, he was required to reimburse Starbucks for the additional costs. That framework remained in place until September 2025, when the board approved a new arrangement removing the annual cap entirely.

Instead of a fixed limit, Niccol’s personal use of the aircraft will now be reviewed quarterly. Starbucks noted that the board retains the right to require reimbursement for incremental costs tied to personal travel if deemed appropriate.

No new spending ceiling has been established.

Executive Security Under Greater Scrutiny

Starbucks’ decision comes at a time when many large U.S. companies are reassessing executive security protocols. High-profile CEOs have become increasingly visible, both in traditional media and online, making them more vulnerable to threats.

The company emphasized that the policy change reflects current security realities rather than a shift in executive compensation philosophy. Brian Niccol, who took over as CEO in September 2024, earned approximately $31 million in total compensation last year, according to filings.

Balancing Security, Sustainability and Public Perception

The removal of the jet cap has drawn attention because Starbucks has publicly committed to sustainability goals, and private aviation is often criticized for its environmental impact. Critics argue that unlimited jet use conflicts with those commitments, while the company maintains that employee safety—particularly at the executive level—must take precedence.

Starbucks said Niccol spends most of his time visiting coffeehouses across the U.S. and internationally, in addition to working from Seattle, where he maintains both a home and an office. The frequent travel, the company argues, further supports the need for consistent and secure transportation.

While Starbucks’ leadership insists the policy is rooted in security, the move highlights a broader corporate tension between risk management, cost controls and environmental responsibility. As Niccol continues to lead Starbucks’ turnaround strategy, scrutiny over how companies protect—and privilege—their top executives is unlikely to fade.