Acuity Brands, Inc. announced that Neil M. Ashe will become its next President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 31, 2020. Additionally, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Ashe as a member of the Board effective January 31, 2020. Mr. Ashe will take over the CEO position from Vernon J. Nagel, who will remain with the Company in the newly created role of Executive Chairman.

Mr. Ashe will also become the President of Acuity Brands replacing Richard K. Reece, who will become Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Acuity Brands Lighting, the primary operating subsidiary of the Company. The appointment of Mr. Ashe as President and CEO of Acuity Brands culminates an orderly succession plan for certain senior leadership positions which began almost a year ago.