Southern Company (SO) said that its chief executive officer or CEO, David Ratcliffe announced that he will retire December 1. Upon Ratcliff's retirement, Thomas Fanning, currently the company's chief operating officer will become chairman and CEO of Southern Company.
The company added that Thomas Fanning, currently the company's chief operating officer, has been named president of Southern Company effective August 1.
Prior to becoming executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2008, the company said that he was the Southern Company's chief financial officer. He has also served as president and CEO of the company's Florida subsidiary, Gulf Power, and chief financial officer of subsidiaries Georgia Power and Mississippi Power, the company said.
In addition, with effect from August 13, Art Beattie has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer of Southern Company and Paul Bowers, currently Southern Company's chief financial officer, has been named chief operating officer of Georgia Power, the company stated.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.