Starbucks’ New CEO Brian Niccol Lands $113 Million Payday

Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, is making headlines with his jaw-dropping $113 million payday and a lot of free coffee in his future. The coffee giant recently announced Niccol as its new chief executive, with an official start date of Sept. 9. While he won’t be required to relocate to Seattle for the new gig, he did agree to commute from his home in Newport Beach, Calif., when necessary.

Niccol’s offer includes a $10 million sign-on bonus and equity awards totaling $75 million, with additional annual equity awards worth up to $23 million starting in fiscal 2025. On top of his annual base salary of $1.6 million and an annual cash bonus ranging from $3.6 million to $7.2 million, Niccol will also enjoy personal travel of up to $250,000 on the company’s corporate jet.

Before his move to Starbucks, Niccol was the CEO of Chipotle, where he shared insights into his daily routine and favorite Chipotle order. He revealed that he enjoys a chicken bowl with white rice, fajita veggies, pico de gallo, and a little bit of cheese, along with a barbacoa quesadilla, chips, and guacamole on the side.

Niccol’s love for coffee aligns with his Starbucks predecessors. Former CEO Kevin Johnson preferred a triple espresso with just a splash of hot water in the morning, followed by a French press at the office. Howard Schultz, who served as CEO multiple times, favored an Aged Sumatra blend, while Laxman Narasimhan, the CEO before Niccol, enjoyed a Doppio Espresso Macchiato with skim milk.

Niccol’s coffee order may be similar to his predecessors, but his $113 million payday sets him apart. As he takes the helm at Starbucks, it’s clear that he’s ready to lead with a strong cup of coffee in hand. With his impressive compensation package and love for caffeine, Niccol is poised to make a significant impact on the coffee giant.