Southern Company has been named to DiversityInc's 2016 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. Additionally, the company placed No.1 in DiversityInc's newly created category of Top 10 Companies for Opportunities and sixth on the Top 10 Companies for Veteranslist. 

"Diversity is central to our business strategy. We hire smart and diverse people, then support and develop them and move them into larger roles," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "People with different backgrounds, judgments and experiences allow us to see around corners and invent the future. Diversity of people, thoughts and ideas is what ultimately makes us successful."  

The annual survey – considered one of the most rigorous, data-driven analyses of its kind – gauges detailed demographics based on race/ethnicity and gender at some of the largest U.S. employers, all in an effort to better assess initiatives to hire, retain and promote women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBT and veterans.

"It's clear that corporate America understands how diversity and inclusion strengthens everything from recruiting and retention to overall business success," said DiversityInc's Founder and CEO Luke Visconti. "We saw more than 1,000 companies submitting for contention on the list. It's a sign of their commitment and dedication to diversity management."