As many Americans face inflation, wage stagnation, and economic uncertainty, the news that Niccol earned nearly $96 million in just four months highlights the growing disparity in executive compensation

Securities filing revealed on Jan. 24 that Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol made $96 million in his first four months on the job. Over 94% of the pay came from stock awards. While most of them are tied to his performance, the rest are time-based, vesting over a three-year period. Niccol also got a $5 million sign-on bonus after his one-month anniversary with Starbucks. This makes Niccol one of the most highly-paid individuals in corporate America.

READ: Starbucks reverses 'open door policy,' may alienate customers (January 14, 2025)

Niccol joined Starbucks in September 2024, working for Chipotle, first as its CEO and then, its chairman. He has also previously been CEO of Taco Bell, and held other leadership positions in Pizza Hut. He started his career in brand management with Proctor and Gamble.

Niccol was recruited after the ousting of the previous CEO following a series of sales declines. He was not required to move to Seattle, instead the company agreed to cover the cost of temporary housing in the area, as well as provide the use of the company jet. The use of the jet-which cost more than $72,000 has generated controversy because of the high levels of carbon emission associated with private jet use.

While Starbucks had in 2020 set a goal to halve their carbon emissions in their direct operations and supply chain, however the company's total emissions have actually increased by 8% since 2010.

The previous week's filings have shown that in addition to the $72,000 spent on the commute, Starbucks paid Niccol over $143,000 in housing expenses, about half of which were tax-related payments. An additional $19,000 has Niccol's annual pay package was estimated to be $113 million at the time of his hiring, according to Bloomberg. He ranks near the top 20 highest-paid CEOs, according to the Bloomberg Pay Index.

READ: Why Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan lost his job (August 13, 2024)

As many Americans face inflation, wage stagnation, and economic uncertainty, the news that Niccol earned nearly $96 million in just four months highlights the growing disparity in executive compensation.