Acuity Brands board approves an increase in the size of the Board from 11 to 12 members. Michael J. Bender is elected as an Independent Director. Mr. Bender was President and Chief Executive Officer of Eyemart Express, LLC until recently. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Kohl's Corporation.

Acuity Brands, Inc., today that the Board of Directors (the "Board") has approved expanding the Board from 11 to 12 members, effective September 29, 2022, and has elected Michael J. Bender as an Independent Director. The Audit and Governance Committees will both have Mr. Bender on them. He will hold office for a term that will end at the following annual meeting of stockholders of the company.

The most recent position held by Mr. Bender was President and CEO of the optical retailer Eyemart Express, LLC. He has extensive experience running businesses at scale in the retail, integrated healthcare, real estate, e-commerce, and international food and beverage industries. He is an accomplished executive and leader. Mr. Bender is a current member of Kohl's Corporation's board of directors and a former member of 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. 

Source: AcuityBrands Investors