Starbucks Removes $250K CEO Jet Expense Cap, Mandates Private Aircraft for All Travel

Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) eliminated its $250,000 annual reimbursement cap for CEO Brian Niccol's personal use of company aircraft, requiring him to use private jets for all travel following a security review. The change, disclosed in a January 26 filing, cites enhanced security needs due to "credible threat actors" and increased media attention. Niccol incurred nearly $1 million in private jet costs and $1.1 million in total security expenses during fiscal 2025. The policy shift aligns with broader corporate security enhancements following the 2024 fatal shooting of a UnitedHealthcare executive. Starbucks directors will now review Niccol's travel quarterly instead of annually.