GULFPORT, Miss., Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mississippi Power Board of Directors today named Anthony L. Wilson president of Mississippi Power.

The D'Iberville, Miss. native began his career at Mississippi Power in 1984. After holding several leadership positions at Georgia Power, he returned home to the company in May when he was named executive vice president of operations.

"There is nothing more important than ensuring we meet our customers' energy needs in a safe and reliable manner," Wilson said. "That's what Mississippi Power employees have done for nearly a century now, and I am honored to once again be a part of that proud legacy. I look forward to serving our customers and the community I call home for years to come."

Also today, Chairman and CEO Ed Holland announced Wilson will take over CEO duties on Jan. 1, 2016. Holland will remain chairman of the company and have continued leadership of the completion of the Kemper County energy facility.

"Having Anthony return home earlier this year has been a tremendous addition to Mississippi Power and has allowed me the needed time to focus on bringing Kemper online," Holland said. "His expanded leadership role is the next step in our succession plan. This ensures a seamless transition as we continue to focus on our customers and our future, while embracing our important role in growing the economy of southeast Mississippi."

Additionally, Holland will become President and CEO of Southern Company Holdings and executive vice president of Southern Company Services, effective Jan. 1.

Southern Company subsidiary Southern Company Holdings is responsible for the licensing and marketing of the Transport Integrated Gasification (TRIG™) technology being deployed at the Kemper County energy facility. TRIG will be used to convert abundant, low-cost lignite into affordable energy for Mississippi Power customers for decades to come.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power has been recognized throughout the utility industry for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts and as a leader in safety. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

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SOURCE Mississippi Power