Acuity Brands Inc. (NYSE: AYI) named Ruth Gratzke as president of its lighting unit, effective Sept. 1, following a leadership transition at the Atlanta-based industrial technology company.
Gratzke, who will report to CEO Neil Ashe, brings over 25 years of experience in industrial technology, smart infrastructure and electrical products. She previously served as president of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the U.S. and CEO of Siemens Industry Inc., and held senior roles at General Electric and Hubbell. Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany.
Acuity Brands operates two primary segments: Acuity Brands Lighting and Acuity Intelligent Spaces. The company employs roughly 13,000 people across North America, Europe and Asia, designing and manufacturing lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions and audio-video control platforms.
Sach Sankpal, the outgoing president of Acuity Brands Lighting, will remain with the company during a transition period. Ashe stated that Gratzke’s leadership experience in technology and infrastructure businesses positions the lighting division to strengthen its market position.
