Kecia Steelman has been announced as the new CEO of Ulta Beauty. The previous CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, took retirement after serving at Ulta Beauty for eleven years (since 2014).

Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer of Ulta Beauty, stepped down on Monday, surprising many industry insiders. Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed him as president and CEO and will join the company’s board. Kimbell will serve as an adviser to the company through June 28.

This leadership change follows the retirement of Dave Kimbell, who has been with Ulta Beauty for eleven years.

US retailer Ulta Beauty has promoted Kecia Steelman to president and CEO, effective immediately. She replaces Dave Kimbell, who is retiring after an 11-year tenure. He is also stepping down from the company’s board of directors, but will stay on as an advisor to Ulta Beauty through 28 June.

(Reuters) -Cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty on Monday forecast a strong fourth quarter and said insider Kecia Steelman will replace retiring CEO Dave Kimbell in the top role, sending its shares up 1.5% in extended trading.

Shares of Ulta Beauty ( ULTA -3.07%) were climbing higher last month after the beauty superstore chain posted better-than-expected results in its third-quarter earnings report, showing improvement on the bottom line, and that the worst of its market-share losses seemed to be behind it.

Ulta Beauty shares are trading higher in Monday's after-hours session after the company announced a CEO transition and updated its near-term outlook.

Kecia Steelman named President and Chief Executive Officer of Ulta Beauty. (Photo: Business Wire)

Ulta Beauty has announced the retirement of Dave Kimbell as chief executive officer after 11 years with the business. The company said Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed Kimbell as president and CEO.

Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell is stepping down, the company said Monday, as the cosmetics retailer looks to reignite sales momentum in the slumping beauty category. The stock was rising.Kecia Steelman,