Group 1 Automotive has named a new director to its board, appointing former Ulta Beauty CEO David Kimbell to the post.

The Houston-based auto retailer now has 10 directors on its board. Kimbell will serve on its audit committee.

“We are excited to welcome David to our board,” said Charles Szews, Group 1’s non-executive chair of the board, in a news release. “Throughout his career, he has had the vision to reimagine the retail experience and his track record of building customer loyalty and digital retailing will provide invaluable perspective as our industry and Company continue to evolve.”

In addition to this most recent post as Ulta Beauty’s CEO, Kimbell background also includes time as president and chief marketing and marketing officer at Ulta.

He currently is on the board at Best Buy.

“I’m honored to join Group 1’s board and am excited to bring my experience to the company at this dynamic time in automotive retail,” Kimbell said in a news release. “I’ve seen firsthand how pairing a relentless focus on the customer with the intelligent use of data can differentiate a business.

“The principles that drive great retail are universal, and I look forward to supporting Group 1’s customer-focused efforts and helping the Company best position itself for long-term value creation.”

Penske Automotive Group special committee retains financial, legal advisors

Penske Automotive Group announced Monday that the special committee of independent and disinterested directors of the its board of directors has retained an independent financial advisor (Moelis & Company LLC) and an independent legal counsel (Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP).

The board previously announced the formation of this special committee to review and consider the “unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal” from Penske Corp. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to acquire the remaining shares of PAG’s common stock that PC and Mitsui and their affiliates don’t currently own.

“There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to the proposal or any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached. The company does not intend to comment further or disclose any developments regarding the proposal unless and until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. The company’s shareholders do not need to take any action at this time,” PAG said in the release.