Bolingbrook, Ill. — Dave Kimbell plans to retire from his position as chief executive officer of Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest specialty beauty retailer, after 11 years with the brand. He will also step down from the company’s board of directors. Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed Dave Kimbell as president and CEO and joined the company’s board on Jan. 6, 2025. Kimbell will serve as an advisor to the company through June 28, 2025.
“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,” says 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.”
Kimbell became CEO of Ulta Beauty in 2021 after serving in executive roles with the company since 2014.
Nagler continues: “We are pleased to name Kecia Steelman as the new president and CEO of Ulta Beauty. Kecia is a world-class business executive with deep beauty and retail expertise, an unwavering commitment to effective execution, and a profound passion for our guests and associates. She has been instrumental in developing our recently refreshed strategic framework, and we are confident that she is the right person to lead Ulta Beauty forward.”
Steelman was named president and chief operating officer in 2023 after serving in a variety of executive roles with the company since 2014. During her more than 10 years with Ulta Beauty, she has consistently driven exceptional execution, while fostering strong 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.
Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty U.S. beauty retailer. Founded in 1990, the company operates more than 1,437 retail stores across 50 states and also distributes its products through its website. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.
SOURCE: Ulta Beauty