Oct 7 (Reuters) - Acadia Healthcare ( ACHC ) said on

Tuesday it has appointed Todd Young as chief financial officer,

amid growing pressure from activist investors to improve

performance and governance.

Young takes over on October 27 from Tim Sides, who had

served as interim CFO since August and will return to his role

as senior vice president of operations finance.

Young joins Acadia from Elanco Animal Health ( ELAN ), where

he served as CFO since 2018, helping shape the company's

strategy following its separation from Eli Lilly ( LLY ).

The appointment at Acadia comes as it faces calls for

strategic changes from two of its largest shareholders - Khrom

Capital and Engine Capital - which together own more than 8% of

the company.

Khrom Capital, which owns a 5.5% stake in Acadia, has called

for a strategic review including a potential sale earlier this

month, citing long-term underperformance and governance issues.

Late last month, Engine Capital, which owns about 3%, called

for operational changes, asset sales, and a board overhaul.

The investor criticized Acadia's cost-heavy growth strategy

under CEO Christopher Hunter and pushed for the replacement of

long-tenured directors with candidates experienced in behavioral

health and capital allocation.

Acadia's shares have fallen 31% so far this year,

underperforming healthcare peers.

Acadia, which operates behavioral healthcare facilities

across the U.S., said the Young's appointment aligns with its

strategy to drive operational efficiency and expand access to

care.