Top executives at those corporations that have been ranked among the World’s Most Ethical Companies have acknowledged the award and cited its importance in reaffirming their own commitment to exceptional ethics and compliance.
Below are some excerpts from press releases from these distinguished companies.
Testimonials are for 2007, 2008 and 2009.
2009 Testimonials
“We’re extremely pleased that our passion for ethical behavior has been recognized for three years running. As the No. 1 renewable energy company from wind and solar power in North America, we take our commitment to corporate responsibility with the utmost seriousness. We believe good corporate behavior will lead to good business results, and our track record proves it.” Lew Hay, Chairman and CEO, FPL Group
“We are honored to once again be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. In view of today’s business climate, our inclusion in this outstanding group is particularly meaningful and underscores the importance of developing a strong ethical culture. We believe that strong business ethics are critical to delivering profitable, sustainable growth, and the work we undertake to ensure all our associates understand and maintain our high ethical standards is a critical part of running our successful global business.” Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO, Ecolab
“This Ethisphere recognition brings honor and validation to our associates who have worked so hard to conduct themselves according to the highest ethical standards. Milliken believes that operating with the utmost ethical conduct and integrity is the personal responsibility of every associate in the company. Their conduct benefits not only Milliken, but also our customers, communities, associates and shareholders.” Joe Salley, President and CEO, Milliken
“At Mattel, playing fair is one of our company’s core values and the cornerstone of our ethical compliance program. We know that how we achieve success is just as important as the success itself, and this recognition underscores our commitment to conduct our business with the highest level of integrity.” Robert A. Eckert, Chairman and CEO, Mattel
“At Aflac we place a strong emphasis on treating our customers, colleagues, shareholders and the public with honesty and respect. Landing on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list for the third consecutive year validates our culture of transparency. It is a tremendous honor for everyone at Aflac.” Dan Amos, Chairman and CEO, Aflac
“We are excited to be recognized as a global leader in ethics, corporate citizenship and sustainability. We believe in growing responsibly and building trust by acting with integrity. I want to thank our 20,000-plus employees who earned this award.” Keith Nosbusch, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation
“We are honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, validating our commitment to promoting a solid ethical environment within our company. Acting ethically and with respect is core to our company’s heritage and identity. Our founder, W.K. Kellogg, built our company on a foundation of integrity, and his passion, vision and values live on at Kellogg even today.” Neil Nyberg, Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Kellogg Company
“Being recognized among the top companies in our sector in 2009 for our ethical practices and compliance is a high honor. We are focused on implementing Sempra Energy’s values of being an ethical and responsible partner to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work.” G. Joyce Rowland, Chief Ethics Officer, Sempra Energy
“We are naturally pleased to have qualified as one of the most ethical companies in the world for the second consecutive year. The award is a recognition of our efforts to manage our extensive operations in a responsible manner.” Ulf Söderström, Senior Vice President Business Development and Strategy, SCA
“This outstanding honor validates our strong commitment to ethics and integrity in every aspect of our business. Around the world, we work hard to build trust and to create an environment that invites employee candor and engagement.” Rick Palmore, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, General Mills
“We’re delighted to be included on the 2009 list of most ethical companies. This recognition underscores our commitment to conduct business with the highest level of integrity.” Gale Klappa, Chairman and CEO, Wisconsin Energy
“CH2M HILL is honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. This recognition is a testament to the values and integrity of our 25,000 employees who focus on respect for our customers, each other, and the communities we serve.” Lee McIntire, Chief Executive Officer, CH2M HILL
“When it comes to ethical programs and practices, our goal is to reach high above the compliance level. Our goal is to make Sodexo the benchmark for honorable behavior in terms of our workforce, the integrity in how we operate our business and the transparency with which we report about business to all our stakeholders. Ultimately, our goal is to have a positive impact in all the communities in which we serve in the U.S. and globally. Sodexo is honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.” George Chavel, Chief Operating Officer, Sodexo Group
“The Hartford is honored to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year in a row. For nearly 200 years, The Hartford has demonstrated a strong commitment to ethics and integrity. At the heart of our business is the promise we make to our employees, customers, investors, business partners, and government officials- the promise to do the right thing in every situation.” Alan Kreczko, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Hartford Financial Services Group
“We are honored to be included in the Ethisphere Institute’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. The importance of maintaining high ethical standards is visible in our daily operations, communications with employees and our relationships with the communities in which we operate.” Larree Renda, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategist, Safeway Inc.
“Freescale is honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, validating our commitment to promoting a solid ethical environment within our corporation. Our leadership is dedicated to communicating the importance of ethics as a critical part of running a business and we strive to ensure all of our employees maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves.” Larry Parsons, Vice President of Business Conduct and Ethics, Freescale Semiconductor
“RICOH is honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, validating our commitment to promoting a solid ethical environment within our corporation. Our leadership is dedicated to communicating the importance of ethics as a critical part of running a business and we strive to ensure all of our employees maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves.” Mariko Azuma, General Manager, CSR Office, Ricoh Company
2008 Testimonials
“A strong commitment to ethics and social responsibility is deeply embedded in Manpower’s culture. It’s an honor for the Manpower team to receive affirmation for the work they accomplish from such a prestigious source. Everyday we set out to do the right thing for the millions of people coming to us looking for a job. By providing them with solid benefits, safe working environments, honorable wages and access to quality workforce development programs, we believe we can affect the way work positively influences a person’s life.” Jeff Joerres, Chairman and CEO, Manpower Inc.
“The Principal is honored to be recognized in such a special and significant way. We attribute this achievement to our more than 15,000 employees world-wide and their dedication to living our company’s core value of integrity.” J. Barry Griswell, Chairman and CEO, Principal Financial Group
“It is an honor for Waste Management to be ranked so highly by Ethisphere, and it is an indicator of how strongly our corporate culture values ethics, diversity and sustainability. Leadership and values start at the top of any company, and ethical companies operate in a way that contributes to the success of their business and the communities they serve. At Waste Management, I believe it is our responsibility to make positive change for the environment and for society.” David Steiner, CEO, Waste Management
“Henkel has a strong values-based culture and a long record of running our businesses by doing the right things and making ethical decisions regarding the environment, economics and social issues. We are pleased to be honored with this award in recognition of our efforts.” Brad Casper, President and CEO, The Dial Corporation (Subsidiary of Henkel)
“Paychex was founded on a set of core values that emphasize innovation and exemplify commitment to the highest professional and ethical principles – and those same values and principles guide us today. We are incredibly honored to again receive this tribute recognizing our uncompromising standards.” Jonathan J. Judge, President and CEO, Paychex
“The threshold for ethical behavior has justifiably risen over the past decade, which makes this recognition especially meaningful. This award belongs to all of our employees and our executive team, who collectively set and exceed the behavioral standards for our business.” Stephen A. Roell, Chairman and CEO, Johnson Controls
“Our commitment to high ethical standards starts at the top and every day we challenge our associates to uphold that commitment to each other, our shareholders, our guests, our business partners and our surrounding communities. We are honored to be recognized as one of the best.” John Geller, Chief Audit Executive, Marriott International.
“We are much honored to be named on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list. In Novozymes, we see a clear link between high ethical standards and financial success, and we therefore take our social and environmental responsibilities very seriously” Thomas Nagy, Executive Vice President for Stakeholder Relations, Novozymes
“This is truly an amazing distinction bestowed on Ten Thousand Villages, and we are honored to be recognized among this class of elite companies.” Craig Schloneger, CEO, Ten Thousand Villages
2007 Testimonials
“We are very proud to receive this award. The fundamental criteria used for the recognition – ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility – have been underpinnings of our business approach since our inception.” Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Chairman, President & CEO, Ecolab Inc.
“It is an honor to be recognized for efforts we see as being key factors in our success as an organization.” Peter Liria, Jr., Director, Global Ethics & Compliance, Avaya
“We are proud of this accomplishment which recognizes our commitment to ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility.” Alain Belda, Chairman and CEO, Alcoa
“Ethics is about doing business right and we are honored to be recognized for our standards and practices.” Sandy Cutler, Chairman and CEO, Eaton Corporation
“We are honored to receive this designation from Ethisphere Magazine. Dole takes great pride in our corporate ethics and social responsibility.” David Murdock, Chairman and CEO, Dole Food Company
“Doing the right thing is at the core of McDonald’s values. This recognition reflects our accountability to our customers, and our strong commitment to listening, learning and leading the way in key industry changes.” Bob Langert, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, McDonald’s
“We are deeply honored to be included in Ethisphere Magazine’s Most Ethical List. IKEA places great value on having an outstanding team of co-workers who are dedicated to living their everyday work lives with honor and integrity.” Pernille Lopez, President, IKEA North America
“We are pleased with the recognition of our commitment to ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility. We work very hard to exceed [our stakeholders'] expectations of us.” Michael J. Critelli, Chairman and CEO, Pitney Bowes Inc.
“Maintaining integrity as our company grows is a challenge we accept and continuously work to improve. Being named to the ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ list is an honor and we credit all of our New Balance associates who work daily to achieve our leadership goals.” Anne Davis, Vice Chair, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
“We are so grateful to be included on this list because it recognizes the importance of values. Caring, respect, empowerment, high standards and making a difference in the community are values that we try to live every day at Wegmans.” Daniel Wegman, CEO, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
“We’re very proud to be recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies. We believe strongly in operating according to the highest ethical standards, and that is reflected in the way we do business across the globe.” John Faraci, Chairman and CEO, International Paper Company
“We are especially proud to be recognized as an ethical company. This honor is a testament to our commitment to providing the best corporate governance and transparent communication, which ultimately benefits our customers, employees and shareholders.” Dan Amos, Chairman and CEO, Aflac
“Having a purpose beyond making a profit distinguishes our company. It’s an honor to be recognized for practicing what we preach.” Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO, Salesforce.com
“Ethics and ethical behavior are core values at Fluor and have been since our inception more than a century ago. We are proud of the examples our employees set around the globe and we are honored to be recognized on this prestigious list.” Alan Boeckmann, Chairman and CEO, Fluor Corporation
“We are proud to have been named to the World’s Most Ethical Companies list, along with several of our clients. This honor is a testament to our employees and our culture that supports honesty, accountability, respect, teamwork, and helping others.” David Lissy, CEO, Bright Horizons
