Ulta Beauty announced that CEO Dave Kimbell will retire and step down from the Board of Directors. 
 
He will be an advisor to the company until June 28, 2025, as Kecia Steelman assumes the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. Steelman will also join Ulta’s Board of Directors, effective January 6, 2025.
 
Kimbell was named Ulta Beauty’s CEO in 2021 after serving in a variety of roles within the company since 2014. 
 
Kimbell said, 
 
“Serving as CEO of Ulta Beauty has been the highlight of my career, and I am proud to have led and worked alongside so many associates who are passionate about delivering great experiences for our guests.”
 
During his tenure as CEO, the company grew to more than $11 billion in annual revenue and delivered double-digit growth in diluted earnings per share. Kimbell’s values-based leadership and commitment to ensuring beauty is inclusive enabled Ulta Beauty to enhance its market leadership, drive record-level brand love and awareness, and expand its world-class loyalty program.
 
Steelman was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 2023 after serving in a variety of executive roles with the company since 2014. She is regarded in the retail and beauty industry for her inclusive and thoughtful leadership. Steelman has been pivotal in developing and executing the company’s strategies to deliver profitable growth.
 
Kimbell added, 
 
“Kecia is a strategic leader with a proven record of driving operational excellence and creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering a caring and inclusive culture. I have every confidence she will expand Ulta Beauty’s leadership in beauty and wellness.”
 
While at Ulta Beauty, Steelman has driven exceptional execution, while fostering external partnerships and a collaborative culture. Her track record of success spans her tenure with the company and is rooted in deep expertise across retail operations and services, real estate, corporate strategy, and business transformation.
 
Steelman commented, 
 
“Dave has been a supportive leader, mentor, and friend, and I am honored to become the next CEO of Ulta Beauty… I am confident the strategic priorities we shared last fall will enable us to capture greater market share in beauty and wellness and deliver long-term profitable growth, and I am excited to lead our outstanding teams as we unlock even greater advantages of our operating model, drive best-in-class execution, and position Ulta Beauty for our next chapter of growth as the beauty destination for a lifetime.”

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