Ulta Beauty adds specialty retail executive to board of directors

By Amanda May | Published: 18-Aug-2026 Amanda May
Finance Retail

Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacific Sunwear, will join Ulta Beauty’s board of directors at the end of the month, bringing more than 20 years experience in specialty retail to the role

Ulta Beauty adds specialty retail executive to board of directors

Ulta Beauty has appointed Brieane Olson to its board of directors, effective 31 August.

Olson, who currently serves as CEO of retail clothing brand Pacific Sunwear (PacSun), joins the US beauty retailer with more than 20 years experience in specialty retail experience.

This includes strategic planning, brand building, omnichannel commerce, merchandising and organisational leadership. 

Olson has also held leadership positions at fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch and luxury house Valentino.

Kecia Steelman, President and CEO of Ulta Beauty, said she is “thrilled” to add Olson to the board.

“She has extensive experience leading consumer retail organisations through periods of growth and transformation,” said Steelman. 

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“And we are confident her insights into strategy execution, talent development and long-term value creation will be invaluable to the board as we continue to advance our Ulta Beauty ‘Unleashed’ strategy.”

Olson fills the seat on Ulta Beauty’s board of directors vacated by Kelly Garcia, who is transitioning to the role of Ulta Beauty’s Chief Technology Officer.

Ulta Beauty’s board of directors will now consist of ten directors.

Posting about her appointment to Ulta Beauty’s board of directors on LinkedIn, Olson said: “Ulta Beauty is an extraordinary brand – defined by its deep connection to its guests, strong culture, and exemplary leadership in beauty and retail.

“Thank you to Kecia for her generous welcome, and to the entire Ulta Beauty board for the confidence and warmth they have extended to me.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn and serve alongside such an accomplished group of leaders as Ulta Beauty continues to shape what is next.” 

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