Prime Highlights:
Ulta Beauty said Friday that Kecia Steelman, its chief operating officer, will succeed retiring Chief Executive Dave Kimbell.
Steelman also will join the board of directors for Ulta immediately.
Ulta is raising its fiscal fourth-quarter outlook after a stronger-than-expected holiday period.
Key Background:
Ulta Beauty announced on Monday that CEO Dave Kimbell will retire, with Chief Operating Officer Kecia Steelman appointed as his successor. Steelman, who has been with the company for over a decade, will also join Ulta’s board of directors. Kimbell, who became CEO in January 2021 after joining Ulta in 2014, will remain with the company in an advisory role until June 28, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition.
Alongside the leadership change, Ulta raised its outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, citing stronger-than-anticipated performance during the holiday season. The company now expects modest growth in comparable sales, alongside an operating margin that will exceed its previous forecast range of 11.6% to 12.4% of sales. This marks an upward revision from earlier projections, which had predicted a slight decline in comparable sales for the quarter.
Despite facing increased competition from rivals such as Macy’s and Kohl’s, Ulta has focused on bolstering its position as a top beauty retailer. The company has introduced new brands to its stores, enhanced in-store experiences, and expanded its digital offerings. Steelman, who was promoted to COO in 2023, will continue to lead these efforts in her new role as CEO.
Ulta’s stock rose by over 2% in after-hours trading following the announcement, signaling investor optimism ahead of the company’s fourth-quarter results, scheduled for release on March 13, 2025. The leadership transition at Ulta reflects a broader trend of significant executive changes within major U.S. companies, particularly in the retail sector, where competition is intensifying. As Ulta Beauty enters this new chapter under Steelman’s leadership, the company’s strong outlook and strategic initiatives position it well for continued growth in the competitive beauty market.
