Strategic Leadership Bolsters CAVA's Future Growth

A New Era of Governance at CAVA

CAVA Group, a leading name in the Mediterranean fast-casual dining sector, known for its emphasis on heart, health, and human connection through food, recently welcomed Amiee Bayer-Thomas, the distinguished Chief Retail Officer of Ulta Beauty, Inc., to its Board of Directors. Her appointment became effective on July 29, marking a new chapter in the company's strategic leadership.

Insights from CAVA's Visionary Leader

Brett Schulman, Co-Founder and CEO of CAVA, expressed his profound enthusiasm regarding Bayer-Thomas's arrival. He highlighted her impressive background as a seasoned operator, emphasizing her foundational understanding of the retail environment, particularly her dedication to the frontline team members and customer experience. Schulman believes her expertise in managing extensive national operations, nurturing talent, and fostering scalable growth will be indispensable as CAVA pursues further expansion. He also noted her value-driven approach and commitment to cultivating robust organizational cultures, which resonate deeply with CAVA's core identity, making her an ideal fit for the CAVA family.

Amiee Bayer-Thomas: A Legacy of Retail Excellence

Bayer-Thomas brings over thirty years of executive experience from the specialty and department-store retail sectors. In her current role as Chief Retail Officer at Ulta Beauty, she oversees the operations of more than 1,500 stores and a workforce exceeding 60,000 associates. Her responsibilities also encompass real estate development, store design, and loss prevention strategies.

Driving Growth Through Operational Acumen

Since joining Ulta Beauty in 2016, Bayer-Thomas has progressively advanced through key leadership roles, including Chief Store Operations Officer and Chief Supply Chain Officer. Her comprehensive operational expertise, spanning from supply chain logistics to the selling floor, is characterized by a strong focus on achieving operational excellence, continuous improvement, fiscal discipline, and the development of high-performing teams. Furthermore, she has successfully guided business continuity and operational responses across thousands of locations during significant periods of disruption, demonstrating her resilience and strategic foresight.

Embracing CAVA's Mission: A Shared Vision for the Future

Bayer-Thomas articulated her admiration for CAVA, acknowledging its success in establishing a category-defining brand that merges bold, vibrant culinary offerings with a genuinely human-centric approach to hospitality. She underscored her long-standing respect for the company's unwavering commitment to its employees, guests, and the wider community. Expressing her honor in joining the Board during such a dynamic growth phase, she looks forward to collaborating with the leadership team and her fellow directors to amplify CAVA's mission and introduce the Mediterranean lifestyle to a broader audience nationwide.

Beyond Ulta Beauty: A Distinguished Career Trajectory

Before her tenure at Ulta Beauty, Bayer-Thomas held various leadership capacities at JCPenney and Limited Brands, focusing on store operations, field leadership, and merchandising. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and previously contributed to the advisory board of Shoptalk. Bayer-Thomas earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, further solidifying her strong academic and professional foundation.