Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is pushing for more in-person work, stating that it strengthens company culture. Related: 'We're Not Effective': Starbucks CEO Tells Corporate Employees to 'Own Whether or Not This Place Grows'However, he also offered a way out. "The default for support partners should be working in person, in a Starbucks office, alongside your team and cross-functional partners," Niccol wrote. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesNiccol became Starbucks' CEO in September 2024 after spending six years leading Chipotle.