Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Earns $96 Million in Four Months

Niccol’s record-breaking pay package includes stock awards, bonuses, and perks as he tackles operational challenges and declining sales.

Brian Niccol, formerly CEO of Chipotle, was recruited to Starbucks with a $96 million compensation package, the largest in the company’s history.
His pay includes a $10 million signing bonus, $90 million in stock awards, and a $1.6 million base salary, with additional incentives tied to performance.
Starbucks compensated Niccol for forfeited equity and bonuses from Chipotle, while also covering commuting costs and personal travel expenses.
Niccol has introduced changes like stricter in-store policies, the return of ceramic mugs, and a focus on improving customer experience to address declining sales.
The pay disparity between Niccol and Starbucks’ median barista salary has reignited debates about income inequality and executive compensation.