Starbucks CEO to Utilize Company Aircraft for All Travel Following Security Assessment
FOX Business’ Lauren Simonetti reports on the latest lawsuits hitting Starbucks as baristas in multiple states claim the company’s new dress code is illegal and forcing them to pay out of pocket.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is now required to utilize the coffee giant’s private aircraft for all travel to enhance his security, as confirmed by a company spokesperson to FOX Business.
The Seattle-based company revealed that an independent security review identified “credible” risks to Niccol, necessitating enhanced protection. This assessment highlighted his high-profile position, increased media exposure, and the broader threat environment, as detailed in a Monday regulatory filing.
“Given Mr. Niccol’s CEO role, the enhanced media attention to which Mr. Niccol and Starbucks are subject, and the current threat landscape, the security study for Mr. Niccol also recommended that he use private aviation for all air travel, whether for personal, commuting, or business purposes,” the filing stated.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol looks on during the Golden Bear Pro-Am prior to the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 28, 2025, in Dublin, Ohio. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Previously, under Starbucks’ policy, Niccol’s personal, non-commuting flights were capped at $250,000 annually. This restriction remained until September 2025, when the board approved a new framework that removed the cap. Niccol’s personal use of the company aircraft will now undergo a quarterly review process, as stated by the spokesperson.
No new spending limit has been established.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX | STARBUCKS CORP. | 95.16 | -0.56 | -0.59% |
“This change was driven by the security study’s recommendation that Mr. Niccol use the Company’s aircraft for all air travel, including personal air travel, and Starbucks’ current assessment of Mr. Niccol’s security situation and the threat landscape,” the filing noted.
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People pass by a Starbucks coffee shop in Manhattan, New York, on Jan. 15, 2025. (Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The filing also mentioned that if the board deems reimbursement appropriate, Niccol would need to repay Starbucks for any incremental costs associated with personal, non-commuting flights. Additionally, the review recommended implementing safety measures when Niccol travels to higher-risk destinations, including the use of a dedicated car and driver service in Seattle.
The Starbucks logo hangs near the entrance to a Starbucks coffee shop in Aspen, Colorado. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
Since taking the helm as CEO on September 9, 2024, Niccol has received approximately $31 million in compensation last year, according to the filing.
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The spokesperson emphasized that Niccol spends the majority of his time visiting Starbucks coffeehouses across the U.S. and internationally, while also working in Seattle, where he maintains both a home and an office.
As of now, Starbucks shares closed at $95.16 each, reflecting a 13% increase year-to-date.
FOX Business’ Lauren Simonetti reports on the latest lawsuits hitting Starbucks as baristas in multiple states claim the company’s new dress code is illegal and forcing them to pay out of pocket.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is now required to utilize the coffee giant’s private aircraft for all travel to enhance his security, as confirmed by a company spokesperson to FOX Business.
The Seattle-based company revealed that an independent security review identified “credible” risks to Niccol, necessitating enhanced protection. This assessment highlighted his high-profile position, increased media exposure, and the broader threat environment, as detailed in a Monday regulatory filing.
“Given Mr. Niccol’s CEO role, the enhanced media attention to which Mr. Niccol and Starbucks are subject, and the current threat landscape, the security study for Mr. Niccol also recommended that he use private aviation for all air travel, whether for personal, commuting, or business purposes,” the filing stated.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol looks on during the Golden Bear Pro-Am prior to the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 28, 2025, in Dublin, Ohio. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
STARBUCKS’ TURNAROUND PLAN SHOWS PROMISE IN US AS SALES GROWTH RETURNS FOR FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS
Previously, under Starbucks’ policy, Niccol’s personal, non-commuting flights were capped at $250,000 annually. This restriction remained until September 2025, when the board approved a new framework that removed the cap. Niccol’s personal use of the company aircraft will now undergo a quarterly review process, as stated by the spokesperson.
No new spending limit has been established.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX | STARBUCKS CORP. | 95.16 | -0.56 | -0.59% |
“This change was driven by the security study’s recommendation that Mr. Niccol use the Company’s aircraft for all air travel, including personal air travel, and Starbucks’ current assessment of Mr. Niccol’s security situation and the threat landscape,” the filing noted.
STARBUCKS CEO CALLS AI ‘CO-PILOT,’ NOT REPLACEMENT FOR WORKERS AMID COMPANY TURNAROUND EFFORTS
People pass by a Starbucks coffee shop in Manhattan, New York, on Jan. 15, 2025. (Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The filing also mentioned that if the board deems reimbursement appropriate, Niccol would need to repay Starbucks for any incremental costs associated with personal, non-commuting flights. Additionally, the review recommended implementing safety measures when Niccol travels to higher-risk destinations, including the use of a dedicated car and driver service in Seattle.
The Starbucks logo hangs near the entrance to a Starbucks coffee shop in Aspen, Colorado. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
Since taking the helm as CEO on September 9, 2024, Niccol has received approximately $31 million in compensation last year, according to the filing.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
The spokesperson emphasized that Niccol spends the majority of his time visiting Starbucks coffeehouses across the U.S. and internationally, while also working in Seattle, where he maintains both a home and an office.
As of now, Starbucks shares closed at $95.16 each, reflecting a 13% increase year-to-date.
