Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY), for the 27^th year, partnered with Fortune on the World’s Most Admired Companies (WMAC) list. The list was released today.

Korn Ferry and Fortune analyzed 660 companies, representing 29 countries and 52 industries and surveyed more than 3,720 executives to measure reputation based on nine different attributes including firm’s effectiveness in conducting business globally, its ability to attract, develop, and keep talent, its value as a long-term investment, its innovativeness, its wise use of corporate assets, and its responsibility to the community and environment.

The World’s Most Admired Companies are defined as those in the top half of their industries in terms of overall reputation, with peer companies scoring in the bottom half. In addition, there is an All-Star List of the Top 50 across all industries,

While the overall top ten All-Stars remained mostly consistent compared to 2023, several new players broke into the top 50 rankings in 2024. These new companies were propelled onto the list by a broad confidence in their effectiveness in conducting business globally, innovativeness and soundness of financial position. Three industries (general merchandisers, megabanks and pharmaceuticals) tied for top overall representation with four companies each.

The highest scoring attributes for the All Stars were financial stability, quality of products and services and quality of management.

“It’s probably no surprise that soundness of financial position comes out on top, especially in the current climate,” says Mark Royal, a Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner and Employee Engagement specialist. “Indeed, at a time when organic growth has become harder to find amid uncertain economic and political conditions, executives are placing special value on stability. The results paint a stabilizing picture.”

“Quality still counts,” said Laura Manson-Smith, Korn Ferry’s Global Leader of Organization Strategy Consulting. Quality of products/services and quality of management scored very closely behind soundness of financial position and have consistently been cited by WMAC executives and directors as top drivers of overall corporate reputation year on year. “It's not merely about financial performance; it's about cultivating a culture that fosters growth, values talent, and empowers individuals to collectively drive the company towards excellence."

Additional data, which explores the talent strategies and growth levers implemented by the World’s Most Admired Companies, is forthcoming in the next month.

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

About Fortune

Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts – those who shape industry, commerce and society – through powerful and prestigious lists, events and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com.

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