Spotlight on Erik Lopez

I lead Ulta Beauty's supply chain strategy and operations across retail distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, supplier operations, transportation and logistics. For more than 20 years, I've focused on developing people, challenging the status quo, and turning strategy into measurable results. I am passionate about mentorship and community service through my board involvement.Fun fact: when I am not working, my favorite place to recharge is on a white-sand beach with my family.

Learn more about the Chicago CSCO Community here.

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I grew up in Northwest Indiana, in a hardworking Midwestern family that shaped my belief in rolling up my sleeves, building strong relationships, and never losing sight of the people behind the work. I worked two jobs while attending Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, then began my career at Target, where I spent seven years in a variety of supply chain roles.

I joined Ulta Beauty in 2013 and intentionally built broad experience across distribution centers, corporate supply chain, planning and operations. Those experiences expanded my perspective and prepared me to step into the Chief Supply Chain Officer role.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is to see opportunities instead of obstacles. I encourage my team to challenge the status quo, stay curious and find creative solutions, while remaining grounded in ownership, transparency and care for one another. Operational excellence is a team sport, and the best results come when people feel trusted and empowered to raise the bar together.
 

What is the greatest challenge CSCOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

The greatest challenge for CSCOs today is balancing growth, cost, service, and resilience in an environment that continues to change quickly. The answer cannot be cost reduction alone. Supply chain must remain a growth enabler while making disciplined choices about technology, automation, inventory, capacity and talent.

At Ulta Beauty, we are addressing this through a multi-year transformation that modernizes our network, strengthens omnichannel capabilities, improves inventory accuracy and speed and uses automation and data to elevate both the guest and associate experience.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CSCO?

Start with the business, not the function. Understand how the company creates value, build credibility through strong execution and develop relationships across the enterprise so supply chain is connected to broader priorities. Be passionately curious, willing to learn different parts of the operation and surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking. You do not need to have every answer, but you do need to ask the right questions, make decisions and keep learning.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success in two ways: the outcomes we deliver and the capability we build for the future. Results tell me how we're performing. The strength of the team tells me whether we can sustain it. I look at service, speed, cost, capacity and growth, but also whether people are growing, see a future here, and feel ownership of the work. Success means building an organization that is more capable, not more dependent on me.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-Level Communities?

The greatest value is the opportunity to learn directly from peers who are facing many of the same complex decisions. The community creates a trusted space for candid off the record conversations, practical benchmarking and perspective that can challenge my thinking and accelerate better decisions. It is also an opportunity to contribute, share lessons from our transformation journey and build relationships that strengthen the broader supply chain profession.

Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.