For many, today is just another Monday morning, full of the usual activities that start any given week at Starbucks.

But for me, it’s an incredibly special and humbling day as I assume the responsibilities as the company’s CEO and advance the great work that Howard Schultz began more than 35 years ago.

Last week, at the Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Howard presented me with his personal key to the original Starbucks store in Pike Place market.

This key is symbolic. It represents an iconic consumer brand that operates in 75 countries around the world. It represents the lives of 330,000 Starbucks partners—and their families—who proudly wear the green apron. It represents the place where more than 90 million customers gather each week, and it represents a mission that I have fallen in love with - To inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. The key also represents the one man’s vision that became the Starbucks we know today.

To me, the key also is a personal symbol of a deeply felt sense of responsibility I have to my Starbucks partners, our shareholders, customers, the communities we serve, and to Howard.

A lot has been written about the complexities of CEO succession through the lens of corporate governance, management process, and an academic assessment of succession and leadership. Rarely is succession looked at through the lens of the emotional journey of the people experiencing the transition. Yet that journey is very real.

I have learned so much in my nine-year journey at Starbucks, and the past several months especially have been intellectually and emotionally intense as Howard and I have worked together, in partnership, to navigate this transition in the best possible way. The most important aspect of this multi-year journey is the relationship that Howard and I have developed working together. Our relationship is based on trust, respect, and love.

As I officially take on the enormous responsibilities that come with Howard’s key to the Pike Place Store, I do so knowing that I am part of a world-class leadership team, along with a diverse and experienced board, and an engaged, passionate leader who still sits in the office right next to mine.

Today is just another Monday for many. For me, it is a day I approach with optimism, a sense of responsibility to those I serve, and a vision for the next stage of our company’s journey.

I intend to share more of that journey with you as it unfolds here on LinkedIn, beginning with the communication I sent to all Starbucks partners earlier today.

Kevin

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Dear partners,

In many ways, today is a typical Monday at Starbucks.

Around the world, our partners will open our 26,000 stores and serve the millions of customers who come to Starbucks every day. The aroma of coffee will fill the air and customers will be greeted with a smile and a conversation. Handcrafted beverages will be made with pride and served with love. Friendships will grow and new relationships will be made. People will connect at Starbucks and communities will be shaped. After all, this happens every day at Starbucks in 75 countries around the world.

For us, these are “everyday moments,” yet they are also extraordinary because they reflect the values that drive the work we do around the globe. Starbucks has always been in the business of human connection, and since I first began working with the company in 2009, I have stood in awe of what takes place in our stores, our roasting plants, and in our support centers on a “typical” day. I know I am not alone.

But while this may be just another day at Starbucks, it's also a time of transition as I continue serving the company and brand that I have come to love so dearly by assuming the role of chief executive officer.

Much has already been said about this transition, so I only want to share three simple thoughts:

You, Starbucks partners, have taught me the joy of serving others, and I want you to know that I am here in service of you.

I believe that when we are at our best and true to our authentic selves, we create joyful experiences for our customers and for each other. This is how we show our love for the brand.

And finally, while this is a moment of change, I will remain committed to our mission, values and guiding principles, and will lead our company into the future with authenticity and love.

Serve, Joy, and Love are words that represent my feelings today, and I know that they will guide me in the days and years to come.

Your partner,

Kevin