US beauty retailer Ulta Beauty has named Mary Dillon as its new CEO, effective 1 July, succeeding interim CEO Dennis Eck. Since June 2010, Dillon has been President, CEO and a Director of U.S. Cellular, a $4bn wireless carrier where she is credited with adding distribution channels and strengthening e-commerce. For five years prior she was the global Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s.
As a result of her appointment at Ulta, effective immediately, Dillon is no longer a director of Target Corporation. She had served on its board since 2007.
Dillon is now charged with leading the blossoming beauty retailer into its next growth phase. Sales climbed 25% in 2012 to surpass the $2bn mark. In first quarter 2013 revenues rose 22.9% with same store sales up 6.7%. Now with 550 doors in 46 states, 125 more will open during 2013.
And as Ulta grows so will its Lancôme and Clinique boutiques. Following successful trials with the respective manufacturers, a “significant percentage” of Ulta stores will have one or the other by year end, according to Janet Taake, SVP, merchandising.