Jimmy Etheredge to Join Southern Company Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Southern Company has announced the election of Jimmy Etheredge as an independent director, effective April 1, 2025. Etheredge brings significant leadership experience, having served as CEO of Accenture North America from September 2019 to August 2023, where he led an 80,000-member team.

Prior to his CEO role, Etheredge was Senior Managing Director of US Southeast at Accenture from December 2016 to September 2019. His career at Accenture began in 1985, becoming a partner in 1997 and an executive partner in 2011. Throughout his tenure, he has advised utilities industry clients both domestically and internationally.

A Georgia Tech graduate with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Etheredge currently serves on multiple boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as deputy chair, Encora Digital , and various non-profit organizations.

Positive

• Addition of experienced utilities industry advisor to the board
• Brings expertise in technology, AI, and cloud solutions from Accenture leadership
• Strong regional business leadership background as former CEO of Accenture North America

Negative

• None.

ATLANTA, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Southern Company today announced the election of James O. (Jimmy) Etheredge as an independent director, effective Apr. 1, 2025. Board committee assignments have not yet been determined.

"Jimmy's extensive leadership experience makes him an invaluable addition to our board," said Southern Company chairman, president, and CEO Chris Womack. "His proven track record in leading large teams, discovering innovative solutions, and understanding various industry sectors, including utilities, aligns with our company's objectives. Moreover, his ongoing involvement with organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and several non-profits, further underscores his strategic acumen and commitment to service and excellence."

Etheredge was CEO – North America of Accenture plc from September 2019 until August 2023 and a special advisor to the CEO and board until July 2024. His responsibilities as CEO included driving results through an 80,000-member team and executing Accenture's strategy and consulting, interactive, technology (including AI, cloud and others) and operations practices.

From December 2016 until September 2019, he was Senior Managing Director of US Southeast, responsible for leading Accenture's business in ten states. In this role, he oversaw the firm's business across all consulting specialties and client industry segments within the region.

Etheredge joined Accenture in 1985, became a partner in 1997 and an executive partner in 2011. During his career, Etheredge advised clients in the utilities industry both in the U.S. and worldwide.

A native of middle Georgia, he earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation. Etheredge serves on the board of Encora Digital LLC and as deputy chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He also serves on the boards of Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Police Foundation, Techbridge and Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts. 

About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

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SOURCE Southern Company

FAQ

When will Jimmy Etheredge join Southern Company (SO) board of directors?

Jimmy Etheredge will join Southern Company's board of directors effective April 1, 2025.

What was Jimmy Etheredge's role before joining Southern Company (SO)?

Etheredge was CEO of Accenture North America from September 2019 to August 2023, and then served as a special advisor to Accenture's CEO and board until July 2024.

What experience does Jimmy Etheredge bring to Southern Company (SO)?

Etheredge brings extensive experience in utilities industry consulting, leadership of large teams, and expertise in technology, AI, and cloud solutions from his 38-year career at Accenture.

What other board positions does Southern Company's (SO) new director hold?

Etheredge serves as deputy chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta board, on the board of Encora Digital , and on several non-profit organization boards.