Kecia Steelman named president and chief executive officer of Ulta Beauty. Credit: Ulta Beauty, Inc./Business Wire.

Ulta Beauty, a US-based specialty beauty retailer, has appointed Kecia Steelman as the company’s new president and CEO.

This leadership change follows the retirement of Dave Kimbell, who has been with Ulta Beauty for 11 years.

Kimbell, who became CEO in 2021 after holding various executive roles since 2014, led the company to over $11bn in annual revenue and double-digit growth in diluted earnings per share.

He will continue to serve as an advisor to the company until 28 June 2025.

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.

“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.”

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Steelman was named president and COO in 2023, having held a variety of executive roles within the company since 2014.

With over ten years at Ulta Beauty, Steelman’s expertise spans across retail operations and services, real estate, corporate strategy, and business transformation.

Steelman said: “Dave has been a supportive leader, mentor, and friend, and I am honoured to become the next CEO of Ulta Beauty.

“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 October 2024, Ulta Beauty unveiled its plan to open 200 new stores by 2027, as part of its long-term financial goals and strategy.