Company: SOJE
Filing Date: 2025-03-31
Form Type: PRE 14A
Source: 0000092122-25-000032
Chunk: 25

Company: SOUTHERN CO
Filing Date: 2025-03-31
Form: PRE 14A
Chunk 25
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 determine the appropriate Board leadership structure for Southern Company, including the flexibility to split or combine the Chairman and CEO responsibilities. The independent Directors annually, and at other appropriate times, review our Board leadership structure to determine the structure that is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The Board believes there is no single best leadership structure that is the most effective in all circumstances and that a rigid leadership structure could impede the Board’s effectiveness and ability to act in the best interests of the Company, its stockholders and the customers and communities we serve. The broad range of backgrounds, experiences and expertise of our independent Directors provide the Board with a diverse range of perspectives from which to determine the leadership structure best suited for the Company and the long-term interests of its stockholders.

| 4The combined role of Chairman and CEO is held by Chris Womack, who is the Director most familiar with our business and industry (including the regulatory structure and other industry-specific matters) and is most capable of effectively identifying strategic priorities and leading discussion and execution of strategy. During his tenure as Chairman and CEO, Mr. Womack has proven instrumental in driving forward Southern Company’s strategic priorities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
 4The Board believes that the combined role of Chairman and CEO promotes the development and execution of our strategy. Independent Directors and management have different perspectives and roles in strategy development. The CEO brings Company-specific experience and expertise, while our independent Directors bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside the Company and its industry. At the same time, several of our independent Directors have deep experience within our industry, and all of our independent Directors receive comprehensive industry information from diverse sources, both internal and external, to best position them to oversee the Company’s strategy and key risks. 
 4The Board believes that the combined role of Chairman and CEO facilitates the flow of information between management and the Board, which is essential to effective corporate governance. For example, the Board recognizes the importance of presenting the Board with robust and comprehensive meeting agendas and information. As a result, a key element of the Lead Independent Director’s role is working with the Chairman to set the agenda for Board meetings and reviewing and approving the meeting materials.                                                                                                                                                                                          |

While the Board determined that combining the roles of Chairman and CEO under Mr. Womack is appropriate at this time, as part of its annual review, it will continue to evaluate the Board leadership structure considering evolving industry norms, best practices and the Company’s specific needs and strategic objectives.

#### Role of the Lead Independent Director
The Lead Independent