David M. Ratcliffe served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of Southern Company from 2004 until his retirement in 2010. He played a crucial role in leading one of the largest utility companies in the U.S., which provides power to...

David M. Ratcliffe served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of Southern Company from 2004 until his retirement in 2010. He played a crucial role in leading one of the largest utility companies in the U.S., which provides power to millions of customers. Ratcliffe's journey in the company spanned over 30 years, during which he held various leadership positions, including CEO of Georgia Power. He focused on operational performance and enhancing community engagement, showing a commitment to the people they serve. Under his leadership, the company emphasized safety, sustainability, and inclusive practices. Ratcliffe's work was recognized with a total compensation of over $16 million in 2010, reflecting his pivotal role in the company's growth and direction. He also led significant initiatives for employee well-being and community development, helping allocate around 200,000 volunteer hours from employees each year. Beyond numbers, his leadership reflected a blend of strategic vision and responsiveness to industry changes, making a lasting impact on Southern Company's mission to deliver reliable energy.