Recently-named Advance Auto Parts President and CEO Shane O’Kelly outlined three fundamental principles to guide the company’s path forward as he takes over the helm. O’Kelly, an Army veteran who has served in executive roles for HD Supply, Home Depot and others, wrote to employees about what to expect under his leadership in a blog post on the Advance Auto Parts website.

Read the full letter below:

I am excited to be joining the Advance team as we embark on the company’s next chapter. Thank you for the warm reception I have received through emails, LinkedIn notes and personal greetings over the last couple of weeks. Your enthusiasm, dedication and passion for what you do makes it clear that this team truly cares about our customers.

I have genuine respect for Advance’s rich 90-year history and am committed to upholding the company’s legacy of helping motorists stay on the road by offering quality parts and expert advice. Our industry is continually evolving, bringing with it both challenges and opportunities. Together, we will successfully navigate these changes by continually focusing on delivering exceptional parts and solutions for our customers.

During a recent town hall meeting with our CSC team members and field leaders, I outlined three fundamental principles that serve as a guide for our path forward:

• Be proud of who you are and what you are. This is a great company with great people. Your hard work each and every day makes a real difference and is genuinely appreciated. Thank you!
• Put the customer first. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. To give them the best service, we must uplift and empower our field and frontline team members.
• The fundamentals are critical. In our business, the most important fundamental is to have the right parts in the right place at the right price. Being in stock is critical to customer satisfaction and is the fastest way to growing the company.

As a military veteran, I’m profoundly aware that my first day coincided with the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I am so honored to be part of Advance Auto Parts given its longstanding commitment to supporting veterans and first responders through charitable initiatives and veteran hiring. Our efforts in this regard are industry-leading, and we are committed to further strengthening our contributions in the future.

Thank you again for your warm welcome and I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the coming weeks and months. Advance has a bright future, and we will achieve remarkable things together.