Ulta Beauty appoints Lauren Brindley as the new Chief Merchandising and Digital Officer
Brindley will also lead the company’s efforts in assortment planning and brand development.
USA – Ulta Beauty, a U.S.-based retailer specializing in beauty and cosmetics, has nominated Lauren Brindley as the new Chief Merchandising and Digital Officer, effective June 3, 2025.
Brindley will take over the role from Monica Arnaudo, who will be exiting the role in June.
According to the company, Brandley is expected to oversee Ulta Beauty’s merchandising, e-commerce, wellness, and marketplace strategies.
She will also lead the company’s efforts in assortment planning and brand development.
Kecia Steelman, President and CEO of Ulta Beauty, stated, “Providing our guests with the best beauty and wellness assortment while building strong, strategic partnerships with our brands is critical to Ulta Beauty’s future growth.”
“I’m confident Lauren is the right person to fuel our continued success. She is a proven, strategic leader with deep industry expertise, a global perspective, and a passion for beauty that aligns with our vision for the future.”
Brindley joins Ulta Beauty with over 20 years of international experience in the beauty and retail sectors.
She previously held the position of CEO at Revolution Beauty and has also served in senior leadership roles at Walgreens and Boots UK.
Throughout her career, she has consistently led bold and transformative initiatives across both luxury and mass-market consumer brands.
The transition follows the company’s recent announcement of a significant leadership change, with Dave Kimbell stepping down as CEO after leading the company since 2021.
Kimbell will remain in an advisory role until June 2025.
Kecia Steelman, formerly the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, has succeeded him and assumed the role of President and CEO.
Under Kimbell’s leadership, Ulta Beauty achieved remarkable growth, surpassing USD 11 billion in annual revenue and strengthening its market position.
FY24 results highlights
Ulta Beauty reported a 0.8% increase in net sales, reaching USD 11.3 billion, driven by contributions from new stores.
Gross profit rose slightly to USD 4.39 billion from USD 4.38 billion, but its share of net sales decreased to 38.8% from 39.1%, due to lower merchandise margins, higher supply chain costs, and store cost inefficiencies, partially offset by reduced inventory shrinkage and a favourable channel mix.
Operating income declined by 5.9%.
The net income dropped to USD 1.2 billion from USD 1.3 billion.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
