Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Criticized for Commute

Newly appointed Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol will commute 1,600 km from Newport Beach, California, to Seattle three times a week instead of relocating, a decision that has drawn criticism from Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal. Mittal questioned Niccol's leadership approach on social media, asking, "What happened to leading by example?" He highlighted concerns regarding the environmental impact of such frequent flights. Niccol's compensation package includes an annual salary of $1.6 million and potential performance-based bonuses totaling up to $7.2 million. This leadership change follows Starbucks' declining sales, leading to the ousting of former CEO Laxman Narasimhan. Mittal has previously critiqued Starbucks for straying from its coffee roots, suggesting it has become more of a dessert shop.