Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) (the “Company”) announced that, effective September 29, 2022, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved an increase in the size of the Board from 11 to 12 members and elected Michael J. Bender as an Independent Director. Mr. Bender will serve on the Audit and Governance Committees. He will serve for a term that will expire at the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders.
Mr. Bender most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Eyemart Express, LLC, an optical retailer. He is a seasoned executive and leader with extensive experience operating businesses at scale in the retail, integrated healthcare, real estate, e-commerce and global food and beverage industries. Mr. Bender serves on the Board of Directors of Kohl’s Corporation and is a former Board Director at Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (a real-estate investment trust).
Neil M. Ashe, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased that Michael has agreed to join our Board. He brings lived and demonstrated domain expertise helping companies adapt while using technology to drive business transformation. We look forward to having his expertise on our Board during this important phase in the growth of our Company.”
“I am honored to join the Acuity Brands Board of Directors during this exciting phase of the Company’s transformation. I look forward to working with the members of our Board and the seasoned management team to help advance the growth of the Company,” said Michael J. Bender.
