When Starbucks appointed Brian Niccol as chief executive in September 2024, the company was facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. Sales were falling, its share price had weakened, union disputes were intensifying, and competition was eating into market share.
Less than two years later, Starbucks is showing signs of recovery. However, another figure has captured almost as much attention as the company's improving performance. Niccol earned $31 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid chief executive in the US restaurant industry, according to Restaurant Dive.
