Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) announced a leadership transition in its finance department, naming Chris Lialios as Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, Business Wire reports.
Lialios, who currently serves as the company’s Senior Vice President – Controller, steps into the interim role following the departure of former CFO Paula Oyibo.
The beauty retailer has launched an external search for a permanent CFO, enlisting the help of an executive search firm to assist with the process.
Lialios, a 25-year veteran of Ulta Beauty, has been a key figure in the company’s financial operations since joining as assistant controller in 1999. Over the years, he has played a central role in Ulta’s finance transformation efforts and led its financial reporting, accounting policy, and internal controls. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Illinois Chicago and an M.B.A. from Webster University.
“Chris has been a respected leader on Ulta Beauty’s finance team for more than 25 years, and we are thankful to him for stepping into this important interim role as we conduct a search for our next CFO,” said Kecia Steelman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re confident that his deep familiarity with our business coupled with his financial expertise and leadership style will ensure a smooth transition as we continue to execute our Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan.”
Steelman also acknowledged Oyibo’s contributions during her six-year tenure at the company, including her service as CFO.
“We wish Paula all the best in her future endeavors,” she said.
In a statement, Oyibo said:
“It has been my honor to serve as CFO for Ulta Beauty. I am extremely proud of our team’s accomplishments and believe Ulta Beauty is well-positioned to execute the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan.”
Alongside the leadership update, Ulta reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance previously issued on May 29. The company continues to expect:
Comparable store sales growth between 0% and 1.5%
Operating margin between 11.7% and 11.8%
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) between $22.65 and $23.20
Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, operating 1,451 stores nationwide and offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and salon services.
For more details and forward-looking statements, the company’s filings are available at www.sec.gov and www.ulta.com.
