Ulta president, CEO receives award from Ernst & Young

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. Ulta announced that its president and CEO, Lyn Kirby, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 Award in the consumer products category in the Midwest region.

The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Kirby was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Hilton Chicago Hotel on June 26.

As a Midwest award winner, Kirby is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 14. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

“Ulta has been on an exciting journey evolving from a discount beauty retailer more than 15 years ago to a category leader – providing women with all [their] beauty needs from mass to prestige – in one convenient and entertaining store,” Kirby said. “I am extraordinarily proud of our dedicated employees and deeply honored to accept the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award. This recognition is a true testament to Ulta’s exceptional growth and the strength and success of our talented team.”