Brian Niccol, the newly appointed CEO of Starbucks, has made headlines for his staggering pay package, which reached a remarkable $96 million for just four months of work in 2024. This figure positions Niccol among the highest-paid executives in the United States, surpassing the earnings of industry giants like Apple’s Tim Cook and Google’s Sundar Pichai, who each earned approximately $75 million in 2024.
Niccol’s compensation package is largely composed of stock awards, accounting for around 94% of his total pay. These stock awards are performance-based, with a three-year vesting period, aligning Niccol’s financial interests with the long-term success of the company. In addition to the stock grants, Niccol received a $5 million sign-on bonus after joining Starbucks in September 2024.
A filing from Starbucks on January 24, 2025, revealed further details of Niccol’s salary. The company allocated over $143,000 for his housing, including substantial tax payments. Starbucks also covered approximately $72,000 in travel expenses related to Niccol’s commute between his residence in Southern California and the company’s headquarters in Seattle. Additionally, personal costs, including the use of a corporate aircraft, amounted to $19,000.
Niccol’s compensation package has placed him among the top 20 highest-paid CEOs in the United States, according to Bloomberg’s Pay Index. His projected total annual compensation, including stock awards, is estimated at $113 million, factoring in the stock Niccol forfeited from his previous role as CEO of Chipotle.
Niccol’s appointment follows the departure of former CEO Laxman Narasimhan, who faced challenges such as declining sales, union issues, and a global boycott. Niccol, known for his successful leadership at Chipotle, was selected for his proven track record in turning around companies. Starbucks emphasized Niccol’s capabilities as a “highly sought-after” leader, confident in his ability to drive the company’s growth and maintain its competitive edge.
Niccol’s compensation package, particularly the inclusion of performance-based stock awards, underscores the company’s commitment to rewarding leadership aligned with its long-term success and performance metrics.
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