Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. has announced that Chuck Rubin will join the company as president and chief operating officer and as a member of its Board of Directors effective May 10, 2010. Rubin joins Ulta from Office Depot where he served as president North American retail. Following a transition period of up to four months, Rubin will become chief executive officer. Lyn Kirby will continue as CEO through the transition period and thereafter will provide guidance and counsel as a member of the Ulta’s Board of Directors through March 17, 2011.

Rubin comes to Ulta with 30 years of retail experience. He joined Office Depot in 2004, as executive VP and chief merchandise and marketing officer rising to president North American retail in 2006. Prior to joining Office Depot, he spent six years at Accenture Consulting in senior leadership roles including partner. At Accenture, he advised clients and led engagements across retail formats and e-commerce businesses. Rubin has extensive experience building partnerships with key brands ranging from mass market to prestige in both the specialty and department store channels. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the National Retail Federation and holds a B.A. degree from Brandeis University.

“We are delighted to attract Chuck to Ulta as president and chief operating officer. Chuck’s extensive retail background and knowledge of retailing will be highly valuable to us as the company continues to execute its proven strategy and maintain its successful track record of growth,” says Lyn Kirby, CEO, Ulta. “Chuck is joining us at an opportune time with this established platform for future growth. One of my key priorities is to ensure a smooth transition in leadership and continue our strong performance. I am looking forward to providing insight and perspective to Chuck as well as assisting Ulta to reach its goals and objectives, as a member of our Board of Directors.”

Dennis Eck, Ulta’s non-executive chairman, adds, “We are pleased to attract Chuck to Ulta given his strong leadership skills, retail experience and fit with Ulta’s corporate culture.”

Ulta offers a combination of over 21,000 prestige and mass beauty products across the categories of cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skincare, bath and body products and salon styling tools, as well as salon haircare products. Ulta also offers a full-service salon in all of its stores. The company currently operates 348 retail stores across 38 states and also distributes its products through the company’s website.