Southwire is incredibly proud to announce that Kathleen Edge, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations, has been named as one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2019 Women Who Mean Business honorees. Each year, the Business Chronicle recognizes 21 women who drive Atlanta business in different industries and professions. This recognition is presented to leaders that have made significant strides in their careers, are making a difference in their communities and are blazing the trail for others that will follow.

“I was surprised and sincerely humbled by this recognition,” said Edge. “In my work, I strive to serve and enable others to live to their fullest potential.”

Kathleen joined Southwire in 2013 as Executive Vice President of Human Resources, and, in that role, was responsible for the integration of new employees from acquisitions as well as organic growth, helping the privately-owned company grow from 5,200 employees to its current workforce of nearly 8,000.

During her time in HR, she transformed Southwire’s Human Resources team into a strategic and instrumental part of the organization with business partners located in every aspect of the business, ensuring that people are always the top priority. She was an active HR partner for the company’s CEO, and her insight and expertise were instrumental in a number of key initiatives as the company strengthened its commitment to Build Organizational Capability.

Kathleen began leading Southwire’s operations team in October of 2018 – a group consisting of 34 manufacturing locations, 10 distribution centers and multiple support areas around the globe. In that time, she has contributed to the forward progress of the company’s five-year strategic plan through emphasizing lean operational toolkits, focusing on modernization, making significant improvements in safety and, overall, working to streamline processes across the organization.

Kathleen has served and continues to serve as an exceptional role model for women in manufacturing. Not only is she dedicated to success in the corporate world, but she is a passionate and committed volunteer, ensuring that Southwire’s local communities thrive.

“Southwire has a very unique culture that creates opportunities for me and others to grow, while we do right by our employees, our customers, and our communities,” said Edge. “Together, we get to make a difference.”
Kathleen supports the growth of Southwire’s Project GIFT (Giving Inspiration for Tomorrow), now a network of more than 1,000 volunteers companywide, and is particularly passionate about creating, developing and sustaining partnerships between education and business that inspire the workforce of the future.

The Southwire team is proud of Kathleen and this incredible achievement. We are excited to celebrate both her success and her commitment to our company and community. Congratulations, Kathleen!

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