Ulta and Tapestry CEOs on strategy, retail and gen-z shift

Kecia Steelman’s rise to CEO of Ulta Beauty in January 2025 is a quintessential "climb to the top" story, rooted in resilience and operational expertise. Since taking the CEO helm, Steelman has launched the "Ulta Beauty Unleashed" strategy, focusing on international expansion into the U.K., Mexico, and the Middle East, while overseeing a workforce that is 91% female. Ulta's shares are up 57% over the past year. Steelman stepped up to the Opening Bid Unfiltered podcast mic with Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi to chat about the business of beauty.

Sticking with retail, Joanne Crevoiserat has emerged as one of the most successful leaders in modern luxury retail, transforming Tapestry through a disciplined focus on brand building, digital innovation, and consumer engagement. Since becoming CEO in 2020, she has helped guide the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly changing retail landscape while strengthening its portfolio of brands, including Coach and Kate Spade New York. Crevoiserat sat down with Brian to discuss her tenure as CEO and what's next for the company.

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