March 12, 2024

Legrand Announces Lighting Sector Leadership Updates

2024 03 LEgrand lighting president focal point ocl jimalee beno jennifer butler chad simpson.jpg

Above: (L to R) Jimalee Beno, Jennifer Butler, Chad Simpson

Focal Point and OCL appoint new Presidents. Jimalee Beno takes on broader lighting sector role.

Legrand has announced notable leadership transitions within its Lighting Sector for Legrand, North and Central America (LNCA), effective April 1, 2024. These updates affect the leadership of two architectural lighting brands as well as a key strategy role for Legrand’s Lighting Sector in the Americas.

LNCA's Lighting Sector includes Finelite, Focal Point, Kenall, OCL Architectural Lighting, and Pinnacle Architectural Lighting.

Quick Recap:

✓Jennifer Butler is the new President of Focal Point, succeeding Jimalee Beno.

✓Jimalee Beno is transitioning to Vice President – Strategy for the LNCA Lighting Sector.

✓Chad Simpson is the new President at OCL, succeeding Jennifer Butler.

Jimalee Beno transitions to Strategic Leadership Role

Jimalee Beno, who has served as President of Focal Point, is set to embrace a broader strategic role as Vice President – Strategy for LNCA’s Lighting Sector. This move follows Jim Young's transition to President of Pinnacle last year. Beno's new role will involve strategic partnerships across Legrand's lighting brands to spearhead market leadership and foster growth.

Tom Lowery, President of LNCA’s Lighting Sector and Building Control Systems division, stated, “Jimalee has successfully led two of LNCA’s lighting brands, OCL and Focal Point, and brings over 30 years of industry experience across multiple functions. This overview perspective, plus her passion for progress and innovation, makes her an ideal person for this important role.”

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Presidential Transition at Focal Point

Jennifer Butler is appointed President of Focal Point, succeeding Jimalee Beno. Butler transitions from her previous role as President of OCL, mirroring Beno's career trajectory from OCL President to Focal Point President. With over two decades of experience in the lighting industry, including positions at Intense Lighting, Peerless/Acuity, and Cooper Lighting, Butler is expected to bring significant expertise to Focal Point.

Lowery commented on the transition, saying, “With Jennifer’s leadership, the OCL team has experienced exciting growth and introduced numerous award-winning products. Her experience leading one of LNCA’s lighting brands, coupled with her specification-grade linear and downlights expertise, makes her a natural fit to lead the Focal Point business.”

New Leadership at OCL

Chad Simpson has been promoted to President of OCL while continuing his role in leading the OCL Sales Function, a position he has held since the previous June. Simpson's background includes positions at Birchwood/Intense Lighting, Cree LED Lighting, and Acuity Brands.

Regarding Simpson's appointment, Lowery remarked, “Chad has made a significant impact in growing OCL’s customer-focused culture and position in the market. In addition, his strong relationships with OCL’s agency base will serve him well as President. I am confident Chad and the rest of the OCL leadership team will continue Jennifer’s legacy of making sure OCL is an innovative organization that is easy to do business with.”

The recent executive movements within Legrand's Lighting Sector reflect a strategic realignment aimed at enhancing the company's leadership and growth in the lighting industry.