Chris Womack Now CEO Of Leading Energy Provider Southern Company

Chris Womack has become president and CEO of Southern Company, joining a small group of Black chief executives leading major publicly traded corporations.

Based in Atlanta, Southern Company is a prominent energy provider, generating $22.4 billion in annual revenue in 2021, and through its subsidiaries, it serves approximately 9 million customers.

Three Decades of experience

A 35-year company veteran, Womack previously was chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, the Southern Company’s largest subsidiary. Before that, the Greenville, Alabama native was executive vice president and president of external affairs for Southern Company.

Black Enterprise reports that the board increased its size from 13 to 14 members to include Womack as a part of corporate governance.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring honor to lead this wonderful company that provides an incredible service and being able to work with an incredible team address all the challenges that face the energy industry and bring Southern Company to the future,” Womack told Black Enterprise.

“It’s a continued commitment to staying focused on providing clean, safe and reliable energy all of our customers and taking advantage of technological opportunities,” he added.

Commitment to diversity and equity

Womack told Black Enterprise that the company’s commitment to diversity and equity will continue.

“We will continue to focus on growing diverse talent within our organization and providing opportunities at every level. It is not a short-term episodic adventure. It is a long-term journey with a commitment to staying the course.”

Southern Company is a founding investor in Energy Impact Partners (EIP), which focuses on driving diversity in the energy ecosystem.

Womack will continue to co-chair the advisory board for EIP’s inaugural fund, Elevate, which provides capital underrepresented founders of clean technology companies and supports and diversity in the associated supply chain. EIP announced the completion of fundraising for the fund, one of the largest of its kind, with $111.9 million of limited partner commitments.

Commenting on his appointment to CEO, Womack noted: “My appointment demonstrates that there is opportunity for everyone and that there are no limits. No one should be limited by color or gender to lead and achieve their ultimate desires and carry out their professional capabilities.”