Starbucks Removes $250,000 Cap on CEO's Private Jet Use

The coffee giant now requires CEO Brian Niccol to use the company jet for all travel, including personal trips.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Starbucks has removed a previous $250,000 annual cap on CEO Brian Niccol's personal use of the company's private jet. The company will now cover all of Niccol's travel on the private jet, citing enhanced security risks and the 'current threat landscape' following the fatal shooting of a UnitedHealthcare executive. Starbucks will also provide Niccol with personal driver services at no charge.

Why it matters

This policy change reflects a broader trend of companies enhancing security measures for their top executives in response to rising threats. It also highlights the perks and privileges afforded to CEOs at major corporations like Starbucks.

The details

Under the previous travel agreement, Niccol was responsible for charges from personal use of the private jet after an annual cap of $250,000. The new policy, implemented following a security review, requires Niccol to use the private jet for all travel, including personal trips, with Starbucks covering the full cost. The company cited 'enhanced media attention' and 'credible threat actors' as reasons for the change.

  • In fiscal 2025, Niccol didn't pay the company under the time-sharing agreement for the jet.
  • Starbucks will report first-quarter results on Wednesday, January 27, 2026, followed by an investor presentation on Thursday.

The players

Brian Niccol

The Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation.

Starbucks Corporation

A multinational coffee company and coffeehouse chain.

Brian Thompson

A UnitedHealthcare executive who was fatally shot in Manhattan in late 2024.

Courtney Yu

The director of research at executive pay consultant Equilar.

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What they’re saying

“Since the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, we've seen many companies shift their security policies, including installing home security and requiring CEOs to use the corporate jet for all air travel.”

— Courtney Yu, Director of research, Equilar

What’s next

Starbucks will report first-quarter results on Wednesday, January 27, 2026, followed by an investor presentation on Thursday.

The takeaway

This policy change at Starbucks reflects a broader trend of companies enhancing security measures for their top executives in response to rising threats, particularly after high-profile incidents like the fatal shooting of a UnitedHealthcare executive. It also highlights the extensive perks and privileges afforded to CEOs at major corporations.