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Southern Company

ATLANTA, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – The Board of Directors of Southern Company 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.

SOURCE Southern Company

For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333

The logistics industry is growing rapidly, but labor shortages pose a risk of disruption. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines bold strategies to close the skills gap and build a resilient workforce for the future.

The logistics industry is expanding rapidly, with the World Economic Forum projecting that the global logistics industry will surpass $18 trillion by 2030, underscoring its critical role in global trade. However, this growth is accompanied by persistent labor shortages and evolving skill requirements as the sector evolves post-COVID, integrates new technologies, and adapts to changing customer demands, particularly the rise of e-commerce. With an estimated 78 million logistics workers needed worldwide by 2030, the sector must act boldly to attract, train, and retain talent.

In his article, “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge” published by the Fast Company Executive Board, Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines a proactive approach to addressing this critical issue through bold strategies and collective action.

In his article, Clarks identifies three key challenges and potential solutions.

First, he highlights the issue of labor shortages across the industry. The logistics sector has a persistent worker shortage, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting nearly 450,000 job openings in transportation and warehousing as of June 2024, “one of the highest vacancy rates across industries.” An industry survey found that 37% of respondents are experiencing high workforce shortages, with more than half reporting that these labor shortages are affecting customer service.

Clark then examines the rise of technological advancements as the logistics sector evolves into a sophisticated, high-tech network. With 75% of companies investing in digital tools such as AI, IoT, and blockchain. This shift has created a demand for highly skilled professionals in strategic planning, data analytics, and operations management, alongside traditional blue-collar roles like warehouse workers and truck drivers.

Lastly, Clark identifies potential solutions by focusing on workforce development strategies. Meeting workforce needs requires “robust training programs tailored to both white-collar and blue-collar workers” and “pathways to transition into modern ‘new-collar’ roles,” he writes. Collaboration between businesses and governments is essential to train a future-ready workforce. Initiatives should include vocational training, apprenticeships, STEM education, and continuous upskilling for both white-collar and blue-collar workers.

The Path Forward:

A future-ready logistics workforce will require continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in both people and technology. By bridging the skills gap, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering strong partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers, the industry can build a resilient labor force capable of driving long-term growth. As global supply chains become more complex, the ability to attract, train, and retain top talent will be the key to ensuring that logistics remains the backbone of the global economy.

Read the full article here: “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge”.