Exclusive: Ulta Beauty’s new CFO is a Johnson & Johnson veteran tasked to help lead the company’s next chapter

Company Overview - Ulta Beauty has appointed Christopher DelOrefice as the new CFO, effective December 5, succeeding Paula Oyibo who left in June [1][2] - DelOrefice previously served as EVP and CFO at Becton Dickinson & Co. and has over 20 years of experience at Johnson & Johnson in various financial leadership roles [2] Strategic Direction - The new CFO will play a key role in executing Ulta Beauty's "Unleashed" strategy, which focuses on three priorities: driving core business growth, scaling new ventures like the UB Marketplace, and realigning for success [3] - The strategy aims to increase market share through international expansion, enhanced in-store experiences, broader wellness and product assortments, and deeper digital engagement [3] Financial Performance - Ulta Beauty's annual sales grew to $11.3 billion in 2024 from $912 million in 2007, attributed to the opening of over 1,000 stores and the maturation of its e-commerce platform [5] - The company is expected to expand its domestic store base by about 20% over the next decade, with long-term same-store sales growth projected at 4% [6] Leadership Insights - Kecia Steelman, Ulta Beauty's president and CEO, emphasized the importance of building a team that aligns with the company's growth vision and expressed confidence in DelOrefice's capabilities [3][6] - DelOrefice expressed optimism about Ulta Beauty's growth opportunities, reinforcing the company's position as a market leader in the beauty category [4]