Mississippi Power has new president, while Anthony Wilson stays on as CEO for awhile
Pedro Cherry is the new president of Mississippi Power while Anthony Wilson will continue as chairman and CEO until summer, the company announced Wednesday.
Cherry has worked in the energy industry for 30 years, with 25 of those years as part of the Southern Company, parent company of Mississippi Power.
He previously served as president and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas, natural gas utilities that serve 1.8 million customers in two states.
“Mississippi Power is known throughout the industry for its unparalleled commitment to safety and reliably providing its customers with excellent service,” Cherry said, “so I’m very honored to have this opportunity.”
Cherry earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and an MBA in operations management and finance from Auburn University. He served on many boards in the Atlanta area and as the 2024 chairman of the Georgia Chamber.
Wilson started at Mississippi Power as a co-op student, worked his way to the top as chairman and now Anthony Wilson is retiring.
His retirement is effective this summer after nearly 40 years with Southern Co., parent of Mississippi Power. No announcement was made about who will be the next president and CEO at Mississippi Power.
A D’Iberville native, Wilson began his career with Mississippi Power in 1984 as an engineering cooperative education student in Biloxi. He moved to Georgia Power in 2002 and held several executive positions there before returning home to lead Mississippi Power in 2015.
During his tenure, the company has been recognized for Total Company Top Safety Performance and for its many outstanding storm response efforts. Wilson also volunteered with many community nonprofits.
Mississippi Power is celebrating its 100th year in business and in recent months under Wilson’s leadership, has signed contracts with two customers totaling 600 MW that will result in more than $10 billion of investment in southeast Mississippi.
“I have been very blessed to work in the region where I grew up and love tremendously,” Wilson said. “Our employees work tirelessly to deliver safe, reliable energy to our customers and communities in southeast Mississippi, and it’s been an honor to be a part of this team. Our company is well-positioned for the future thanks to their commitment to excellence and leading by example.”
This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM.
