Space NK promotes top marketer to CEO
Emma Simpson-Scott has been CMO since 2019, with her promotion coming as the brand looks to accelerate growth.
· Marketing WeekBy Amrit Virdi 14 Sep 2026 2:57 pm
Space NK’s chief marketing officer Emma Simpson-Scott is taking over as CEO, as the business eyes up a period of growth under new owner Ulta Beauty.
She succeeds current CEO Andy Lightfoot, who has been in role for seven and a half years, previously holding the title of global digital director for two and a half years. It is unknown who will be taking over the CMO role.
Simpson-Scott has been Space NK’s top marketer since April 2019. She joined the business in August 2016 as group brand communications director, and added marketing director to her remit in April 2018 before becoming CMO a year later.
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“Space NK has built exceptional relationships with some of the world’s most innovative and in-demand beauty brands,” says Simpson-Scott.
She adds: “Together with our exceptionally talented teams and brand partners, I look forward to driving continued innovation and growth and creating even more inspiring beauty experiences for our customers.”
Prior to Space NK, she was at L’Oréal for nine years, progressing from head of PR to integrated marketing communications director. Before this, she worked agency-side at Freuds and MSL.
Accelerating growth
In July 2025, Ulta Beauty acquired Space NK to expand its UK and Ireland retail footprint.
Space NK has a “commitment to accelerating growth” and “maintaining its position as the leading curator of luxury beauty in the UK&I”, according to a press release accompanying the appointment.
Alongside Simpson-Scott as CEO, Space NK has named both a new CFO, and a senior vice-president of retail and ecommerce.
On Simpson-Scott’s appointment, Ulta Beauty’s president and CEO Kecia Steelman says she is a “highly respected retail leader” who brings “deep customer insight, retail expertise and a passion for building exceptional team”.
“I am delighted to congratulate Emma on her appointment to chief executive officer and look forward to our continued work together as she leads Space NK into the next chapter of growth,” she adds.