Kecia Steelman Named New Ulta Beauty CEO as Dave Kimbell Announces Retirement
Ulta Beauty’s Leadership Evolves: Dave Kimbell Retires, Kecia Steelman Takes the Helm
Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest specialty beauty retailer, today announced that Dave Kimbell will retire as Chief Executive Officer after 11 years with the company. He will also step down from the company’s Board of Directors. Kecia Steelman, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Dave as President and Chief Executive Officer and join the Board effective January 6, 2025. Dave will continue to 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,” 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.”
During his tenure at Ulta Beauty, Dave has been a steadfast champion of associates, guests, and the brand’s unique culture. Since becoming CEO in 2021, the company grew to over $11 billion in annual revenue and delivered double-digit growth in diluted earnings per share. His values-based leadership and commitment to inclusivity elevated Ulta Beauty’s market leadership, loyalty program, and brand love.
“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 Dave. “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.”
Kecia Steelman to Lead Ulta Beauty
Kecia, who became President and Chief Operating Officer in 2023, has been pivotal in driving Ulta Beauty’s success for over a decade. Her thoughtful leadership and expertise in retail operations, real estate, corporate strategy, and business transformation have consistently delivered results and positioned Ulta Beauty for long-term growth.
Lorna added, “As a result of the Board’s robust succession planning process, 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 she is the right person to lead Ulta Beauty forward.”
Reflecting on her appointment, Kecia shared her excitement for the future:
“I am honored and excited to lead Ulta Beauty through its next chapter of growth as President and CEO. Having spent the last 30 years in retail, I have worked every position imaginable, from stocking shelves to executive leadership. These experiences provide a deep understanding of the industry and an immense appreciation for the contributions people make at every level. I’m confident in our team and our strategic plan which will enable us to build upon Ulta Beauty’s strong foundation and take our company to new heights for our guests, associates, brand partners, and shareholders.”
Kecia’s leadership will focus on driving the company’s strategic priorities, delivering best-in-class execution, and reinforcing Ulta Beauty’s position as the beauty destination for a lifetime.
Fore more information, visit ultabeauty.com.
