Kecia Steelman

Kecia Steelman serves as President & CEO of Ulta Beauty, the nation's largest beauty retailer. At the helm of the entire organization, she leads more than 60,000 associates across stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices who share her passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Kecia's leadership philosophy—centered on keeping guests and associates at the center —has become the cornerstone of Ulta Beauty's distinctive culture. With authentic enthusiasm, she empowers her teams to bring beauty to life in meaningful ways that inspire joy and foster belonging, while creating pathways for associates to build fulfilling careers and making positive contributions to their communities. Her visionary leadership continues to establish Ulta Beauty as the most loved destination in the beauty industry. Bringing more than three decades of retail expertise from high-growth companies, Kecia's career showcases her versatility and strategic acumen. Before joining Ulta Beauty, she held pivotal leadership roles throughout the retail sector, including Group Vice President and Vice President of Project Implementation & Operations at Family Dollar; Vice President and General Manager at Expo Design Centers; and Director of Innovation & Strategic Growth at Home Depot. Her retail foundation was built during her 12-year tenure at Target, where she excelled in various operations and merchandising positions. Beyond her corporate leadership, Kecia demonstrates a deep commitment to community service through active involvement with charitable organizations and fundraising initiatives. She currently serves on the boards of directors for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), Pinterest, The Bay Club (a KKR portfolio company), Adler Planetarium, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Economic Club of Chicago and World Business Chicago. Kecia holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Kennedy Western University. When not transforming the beauty retail landscape, she cherishes time spent with her husband and their extended family, including children and grandchildren who are located throughout the United States.