Kellogg Company Named to 2008's 'World's Most Ethical Companies' List

05/06/08 The Ethisphere Institute, named Kellogg Company to Ethisphere's second-annual World's Most Ethical Companies list. Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in global governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate responsibility, revealed the award at the Ethisphere and Forbes joint-conference, "Driving Profit through Ethical Leadership," held on June 3rd. The list of World's Most Ethical companies will also be featured in the Q2 issue of Ethisphere Magazine.

"We are honored to be recognized by Ethisphere for our steadfast commitment to ethics and social responsibility," said Neil Nyberg, vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer, Kellogg Company. "Our founder, W.K. Kellogg, built our company on a foundation of integrity and respect, and our people are dedicated to continuing this legacy by living these values each and every day."

Researchers and analysts reviewed several thousand companies in order to determine the finalists, which included a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. The 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies methodology committee is comprised of leading attorneys and government officials, professors and leaders who care about ethical and honest business practices.

"We applaud Kellogg Company. Kellogg is among the companies honored this year because they have developed impressive and meaningful ethical business practices, making them true standouts within their industries," said Alexander Brigham, executive director of Ethisphere Institute. "They go well beyond legal minimums, opting instead to bring about innovative ideas that contribute to the public well being. By their actions, they are forcing their competitors to follow suit or fall behind - truly embodying the notion that ethical business practices are more profitable in the long run."

The extensive research process included reviewing over 10,000 of the world's leading companies on six continents. Ethisphere analysts reviewed codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluated investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looked at companies' activities to improve corporate citizenship; studied nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and worked with consumer action groups for feedback and rating.

The day-long conference, which featured Forbes editors and executives from world-renowned corporations, universities and ethics organizations, focused on ethical culture and leadership and highlighted companies' experiences and ethical challenges, provided advice on preparing for ethical dilemmas and gave viewpoints from an investor's perspective. The conference culminated with recognizing Ethisphere Magazine's 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies at an evening awards dinner.