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.
2012 Testimonials
“In an age where the public has become skeptical of corporations, we applaud Ethisphere’s mission to hold companies accountable and are honored for the designation as a World’s Most Ethical Company. The Ethisphere Institute sets the standards for ethics in the business world so we are extremely pleased to be recognized for a sixth consecutive year.” –
Daniel Amos, chairman and CEO, Aflac
“We are honored to be named to Ethisphere’s 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies list and to join this prestigious group of corporate citizens. Since its beginnings more than 40 years ago, Applied has based its values on ethics and integrity. Our reputation and success are measured by what we do, not just what we say, and we strive to attain the highest ethical standards in our work and in our interactions with customers, suppliers, competitors and our community.”
Charmaine Mesina, Corporate Vice President of Legal Affairs and Company Ombudsman, Applied Materials
“Operating with integrity has been a part of our company’s mission and culture for more than 75 years. We are honored to be recognized as an industry leader in business practices by Ethisphere. This accolade wouldn’t be possible without our 250,000 employees around the world who conduct business in a responsible manner and demonstrate commitment to service, excellence, innovation and integrity millions of times each day in everything they do.”
Joe Neubauer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ARAMARK
“The work we do every day touches millions of people around the world. And how we do our work is as important as what we do. This is why our inclusion in Ethisphere’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is so important to me and our company. Every day, we promise our employees and our customers that we will conduct ourselves and our business with the highest level of integrity, and this honor recognizes that commitment.”
John Donahoe, CEO & President, eBay Inc.
“Ethics at EDP is not a matter of quiet consciousness. It is a matter of consistency. It is what differentiates winning companies. EDP’s positioning is based on total transparency while establishing its business goals and communicating with stakeholders and on the adoption of values, from which the Company, under no circumstance, shall give up.”
Antonio Mexia, CEO, EDP Energias de Portugal
“GE and its employees around the globe are immensely proud to be named a World’s Most Ethical Company for a sixth straight year. GE employees have worked hard to uphold the highest standards of ethical business conduct and embrace the spirit of integrity. We are honored and humbled that our unwavering commitment to integrity has been recognized by Ethisphere.”
Brackett Denniston, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, GE
“Being recognized as one of Ethisphere’s 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies is a tremendous honor for us and is a testament to our culture where employees are committed to the highest ethical standards. Our Code of Principles developed in the 1930s has guided our actions for generations and is embedded in our everyday decisions as a trusted employer, partner and corporate citizen.”
James H. Roberts, President and CEO, Granite Construction Incorporated
“The Hartford is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth consecutive year by Ethisphere. Striving to do the right thing every day and in every situation is fundamental to our culture. To sustain relationships of trust with a range of stakeholders, Hartford teammates are committed to the highest levels of ethical behavior.”
Liam E. McGee, chairman, President and CEO, The Hartford.
“Hasbro is honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. This recognition validates our deep commitment to ‘doing the right thing.’ All of us at Hasbro believe in playing by the rules and entertaining children and families within a framework of being a highly principled, trustworthy and transparent company.”
Brian Goldner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hasbro, Inc.
“A deep commitment to the highest ethical standards and business practices has been a hallmark of Henry Schein since our founding in 1932, and continues to be at the very core of our business model as we have grown to become a Fortune 500 company with operations around the globe and nearly 15,000 Team Schein Members. We are very pleased to be named to Ethisphere’s 2012 list of World’s Most Ethical Companies in recognition of our success in implementing exceptional worldwide business standards, our strong commitment to global corporate social responsibility through Henry Schein Cares, and our dedication to meeting the obligations of the five constituencies that make up the mosaic of Henry Schein’s success: our customers, supplier partners, investors, Team Schein Members, and society.”
Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc.
“In all of our endeavors around the globe, from safety performance to environmental stewardship to running our businesses, our actions come down to one simple principle – doing the right things for the right reason. International Paper is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth straight year.”
John Faraci, Chairman and CEO, International Paper
“Juniper’s engagement with Ethisphere has enabled Juniper to get a respected third party perspective on our ethics and compliance program. Ethisphere has provided us with a unique view of best practices in this area, and we have a stronger program because of the engagement.”
Mitchell Gaynor, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Juniper Networks
“We are honored to be among the companies awarded with the World’s Most Ethical Companies distinction for 2012. The award is a testament to the caliber of our employees and their dedication to being corporate leaders in business ethics and social responsibility. The legacy of strong ethics and corporate responsibility that began with our founder W.K. Kellogg more than 100 years ago continues to guide our company today and is embodied by our K Values, which shape our culture and guide the way we run our business.”
John Bryant, President and CEO, Kellogg Company
“At Kennametal, ethics and integrity begin with our people and we are honored to be recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies. As a supplier of choice for our customers, and an employer of choice for our employees, ethics is at the core of our Kennametal Value Business System. We believe a sustainable business enterprise recognizes the need to stay current with market conditions and stakeholder expectations, while respecting the needs and interests of the communities in which we live and work. This recognition emphasizes our commitment to maintaining the reputation and well-being of our company and its employees by making a difference through doing the right thing every day.”
Carlos Cardoso, Chairman, President and CEO, Kennametal
“As a business, employer and responsible corporate citizen, L’Oréal strives to be exemplary and to operate with integrity and respect for each of our stakeholders. We believe that ethical behavior lays the foundation for future performance. We are honored and privileged to be part of Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list and are convinced that we can continue to positively impact the world by bringing beauty to everyone in an ethical manner.”
Jean-Paul AGON, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, L’Oreal
“Marriott is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, and we’ve worked hard to build on the solid foundation of fairness and integrity upon which the company started. We appreciate being included among the distinguished list of Most Ethical Companies and will continue to strive to ensure that good ethics are part of our business platform for all our relationships among guests, owners, franchisees, and associates every day.”
Ed Ryan, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Marriott International, Inc.
“Microsoft is honored to again be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. We are guided by the core values Bill Gates lives every day and work to meet our responsibilities as a corporate citizen. At Microsoft, the way we work is as important as the products we create and the services we provide. We expect our employees to do the right thing every single day – and hold ourselves to the standards our customers expect.”
Dan Bross, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship, Microsoft Corporation
“Our nearly 8,000 employees are committed to four simple words – ‘do the right thing’. At the heart of this commitment is a focus on our Code of Business Conduct values of fairness, honesty, integrity and trust. Being designated a World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute underscores our employees’ hard work, engagement and commitment as we work toward our aspiration to be North America’s Premier Regulated Energy Company.”
Carrie Hightman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, NiSource Inc.
“We are delighted to be named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year running. As a UK based regional water utility to be recognised by such an esteemed body for the strength and depth of our ethical culture and corporate responsibility is high honour indeed. We are proud to receive this international recognition of what our people have and continue to achieve”
Heidi Mottram OBE, CEO, Northumbrian Water Group
“Everyone at Novation is extremely pleased to receive this prestigious honor. Being named as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” goes to the very heart of our mission and values here at Novation. The job of every health care group purchasing organization is to be the advocate for the hospital members we serve. For Novation in particular, the members we serve are America’s academic medical centers and not-for-profit community hospitals – the ones who produce the next generations of physicians and provide care for the most vulnerable in our society. It is our responsibility to apply the highest standards of integrity to every aspect of our business.”
Jody Hatcher, President and CEO, Novation
“Observing the highest ethical standards is a fundamental tenet of NYSE Euronext’s core values and is vital to our firm’s DNA” said Duncan L. Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext. “We are honored to once again be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute and to join so many of our listed companies and other outstanding organizations that share this recognition.”
Duncan L. Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext
“It’s an honor for Petco to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. We’ve always been committed to doing the right thing for animals and the communities we serve, and over the last several years we’ve worked hard to elevate our commitment to environmental sustainability. Ethics, integrity and social responsibility are critical factors in our ability to fulfill our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World.”
Jim Myers, CEO, Petco
“We are very proud that we have maintained our status as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies since 2010. We are on a long term basis committed to a responsible way of doing business; and focus in all our hotels on health & safety of our guests and employees, on respecting social & ethical issues within the company, and on reducing our impact on the environment.”
Kurt Ritter, President & CEO, The Rezidor Hotel Group
“A defining element that sets Rockwell Automation’s workplace apart from others is our culture of ethics, responsibility and accountability. At every level of the company, our 21,000 employees worldwide have an unwavering dedication to doing the right thing. Our global commitment to responsible business practices is absolute. For us, honesty, fairness, quality and responsiveness are guiding principles and integrity is an underlying value in every business transaction.”
Keith D. Nosbusch, chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation
“SCA’s track record in ethical business practices and strong environmental performance is a business differentiator strengthening our competitive advantage. Our customers, consumers and investors trust us because of the high level of transparency we demand at all levels of our business. We have seen a true difference in our company’s performance as we have put sustainability on top of the agenda. We are honored by the recognition an Ethisphere inclusion implies”
Jan Johansson, President and CEO, SCA
“It is a significant honor for Solae to be recognized as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Highest ethical behavior is one of our four core values, and it is critical to the success of our company and our customers. As the world’s leader in soy-based ingredients, we strive to provide solutions to help feed a growing global population with nutritious, sustainable and affordable ingredients. It is our responsibility to ensure that our ingredients are safe and of high-quality. To achieve this, integrity must be at the core of everything we do.”
Cornel B. Fuerer, Vice President and General Counsel, Solae
“Sonae’s corporate culture embodies, since its inception, ethical principles and sustainable development. This distinction encourages us to continue our course in promoting social welfare and cultural development of the communities where we operate, as well as the implementation of transparent business and Corporate Governance practices. Ethics and Trust are part of Sonae’s values, being strongly rooted in our culture, and part of what unites our more than 43,000 employees, in multiple geographies. It is an honor to share this recognition of the Ethisphere Institute.”
Paulo Azevedo, CEO, Sonae
“We are honored to be on the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies list. The SRA culture and values are rooted in the ethic of Honesty and Service, and have been since our founding in 1978. This unwavering commitment is a key differentiator for us in the marketplace.”
Bill Ballhaus, President and CEO, SRA
“At T-Mobile, our employees go above and beyond to display company values and demonstrate leadership in practicing business ethics, which is why it’s an honor to be named, for the fourth year in a row, as one of Ethisphere’s 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies. We are proud of this award because it sets us apart from our competitors as an industry leader and an employer of choice.”
Dave Miller, Chief Legal Officer, T-Mobile USA
“We are delighted to be named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row, and humbled to be honored for practicing the values of fairness and sustainability that distinguish our company and the fair trade movement. At Ten Thousand Villages, business is driven by our mission. We succeed by acting responsibly and authentically, and by demonstrating dignity and respect for people around the world.”
Craig Schloneger, CEO, Ten Thousand Villages
“We are deeply honored to be recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world. Tokio Marine Group maintains high ethical standards anchored to our Group CSR Charter and Code of Conduct, and our staffs and agents communicate to our customers with integrity in our every day business. To fulfill our corporate responsibilities, we will continue in our efforts to respond ethically to various social issues.”
Shuzo Sumi, President and CEO, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
“At TSYS we go to great lengths to ensure that we do the right thing as a business. We believe in honesty and transparency with our clients, our partners and our own team members. We take ethics seriously. Being named one of the world’s most ethical companies is an immense honor and distinction.”
Philip W. Tomlinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, TSYS
“Every person at University Hospitals plays a role, directly or indirectly, in the patient experience and, thus, our reputation is based on how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis. Our reputation brings hope to patients who trust us to deliver the most advanced care and attracts people with the highest integrity to seek employment or an affiliation with us. Everyone who comes into contact with us understands the central role integrity plays at UH. Being named to Ethisphere’s 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies list shows that we take corporate citizenship seriously, and we’re honored to be included.”
Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO, University Hospitals
“Over 60 years ago our founder articulated a clear and uncomplicated code of conduct in the world of global trade – we will represent only one interest, that of our principal, and will do so transparently, ethically, and to the very best of our ability. This code remains the cornerstone of our culture today. Ethisphere has shed much needed light on the sometimes opaque world of global trade and to be recognized by Ethisphere for our contribution to common ethical goals is a true honor.”
William E. (Chip) Connor, Chairman & CEO
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
