Ulta Beauty names new CEO
After 11 years with Ulta Beauty, the company announced that Dave Kimbell will be stepping down from his role as chief executive officer and from the board of directors.
Taking over the position will be Kecia Steelman, who also joined the board as of Jan. 6.
“On behalf of the Board, we are grateful to Dave for his guidance, dedication, and integrity, and for the significant contributions he has made to Ulta Beauty,” said Lorna Nagler, chair of Ulta Beauty’s Board of Directors. “Dave has demonstrated a deep commitment to unlocking the power of beauty for our guests and advancing Ulta Beauty’s market leadership. He has played a meaningful role in shaping Ulta Beauty into the company we are today, and we appreciate his continued service as an advisor during this transition.”
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Kimbell became CEO of Ulta Beauty in 2021 after serving in executive roles with the company since 2014.
“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,” said Kimbell. “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.”
Steelman previously served as president and chief operating officer in 2023, and also has held a variety of executive roles within Ulta Beauty since 2014.
“Dave has been a supportive leader, mentor, and friend, and I am honored to become the next CEO of Ulta Beauty,” said Steelman. “Ulta Beauty is more than a beauty retailer – we are a destination that helps bring to life all the beautiful possibilities that lie within every guest and associate who walks through our doors. 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.”
In light of this news, the beauty retailer also shared that it has increased its fourth quarter outlook due to a better-than-expected performance during the holiday season.
