Wed, 28 Jan 2026

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 Starbucks scraps $250,000 cap on boss's use of company jet

The coffee chain changes Brian Niccol's travel budget due to media attention and "credible threat actors".
Starbucks has removed a $250,000 cap on its CEO Brian Niccol's use of the company jet for personal travel due to concerns over his safety. A security review recommended that he use private aviation for all air travel after considering increased media attention and "credible threat actors". The study also suggested a dedicated car and driver service for ground transportation when Niccol travels to Seattle, where he has a residence. The arrangement will be reviewed every three months. This decision comes as many US companies have been increasing security measures for executives following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year. Starbucks' compensation committee recommended replacing the cap with quarterly reviews of his personal flights, which was approved by board members.
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