Ruth Gratzke Named President of Acuity Brands Lighting

The former Siemens leader will take the reins at Acuity, Inc.’s Acuity Brands Lighting in September.  

Atlanta-based Acuity Inc.  has appointed Ruth Gratzke as President of Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) effective September 1. She will report to Neil Ashe, Acuity CEO.

Gratzke brings more than 25 years of leadership in industrial technology, smart infrastructure and electrical products. She joins Acuity from Siemens, where she served as President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the U.S. and CEO of Siemens Industry, Inc., leading businesses across smart buildings, grid-edge technology and energy infrastructure. At Siemens, she helped scale a complex technology portfolio while advancing work in digital infrastructure, energy efficiency and data center environments. She also held senior leadership roles at General Electric and Hubbell. Known for building high-performing teams, Gratzke brings a leadership approach grounded in empowerment, accountability and customer impact.

“Lighting and controls are essential technology in every built space, and Acuity Brands Lighting is the best in the industry,” said Neil Ashe, CEO of Acuity Inc. “Ruth is the right leader for this business. Her track record leading complex technology and infrastructure businesses, developing high-performing teams and driving growth positions ABL to build on its leadership and capture the opportunities ahead.”

Gratzke added, “Acuity Brands Lighting is a market leader with an outstanding portfolio, talented team and loyal customers. Lighting and controls are fundamental to how buildings operate, and advances in building management, energy efficiency and digital technology are expanding what is possible. I am excited to join Acuity and work with the ABL team to build on its strong foundation and advance the next era of lighting and controls.”

Gratzke earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany and served on the board of directors of the Siemens Foundation.

A statement from Acuity read, “This transition builds on the progress ABL has made under Sach Sankpal’s leadership to become a more connected organization with stronger end-to-end alignment across the business. Sach will remain with Acuity for a transition period, working closely with Ruth and Neil to support continuity for our associates, customers and channel partners. We thank Sach for his many contributions as ABL enters its next season from a position of strength.”

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