Ulta Beauty is promoting four executives from within as part of a number of leadership changes. The moves make a stark contrast to Bed Bath & Beyond, which recently revealed a major executive shakeup including the departure of six top executives.
The Ulta Beauty executive team updates include:
- Kecia Steelman, formerly Chief Store Operations Officer, is now taking responsibility for Ulta Beauty’s international growth as Chief Store Operations Officer & President, International;
- Monica Arnaudo, formerly SVP of Merchandising, now serves as Chief Merchandising Officer, where she will lead the retailer’s merchandising and assortment strategy;
- Shelley Haus, formerly SVP of Brand Marketing, has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer and will lead all brand building and consumer initiatives; and
- Prama Bhatt, formerly SVP of Digital and eCommerce, is the retailer’s new Chief Digital Officer and will oversee digital innovation and e-Commerce.
Dave Kimbell, who formerly served in the combined role of President, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Merchandising Officer, now has the title of President at Ulta Beauty. He will oversee merchandising, marketing, digital functions and the corporate strategy team.
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Tara Simon, SVP of Merchandising for Prestige Beauty, left Ulta Beauty in November, and Arnaudo is expected to take on many aspects of Simon’s role.
In Q3, Ulta net sales increased 16.2% to $1.56 billion, in line with Wall Street estimates. Total same-store sales increased 7.8%, driven by new store growth along with 5.3% transaction growth and 2.5% growth in average ticket. E-Commerce sales spiked 42.5% to $170.7 million, representing nearly 11% of total company revenue.
Brick-and-mortar growth has been a continued priority for Ulta: the retailer plans to open 80 stores in 2019, 75 stores in 2020 and 70 stores in 2021. Additionally, in August Ulta debuted its SPARKED program designed to highlight exclusive partnerships with emerging DTC brands.
