VF Corporation Named One of Top Companies for Leaders in North America by Hewitt Associates, The RBL Group and Fortune
GREENSBORO, N.C.-- VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, has been named to the 2009 list of Top Companies for Leaders in North America. Conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global consulting and outsourcing company, in partnership with The RBL Group, a strategic HR and leadership systems advisory firm, and Fortune, Top Companies for Leaders is the most comprehensive study of organizational leadership in the world. An expert panel of independent judges selected and ranked winners based on criteria including strength and depth of leadership practices, culture, examples of developing world class leaders, business performance and company reputation.
When comparing the North America Top Companies for Leaders with 177 other companies, Hewitt identified one distinguishing characteristic that sets them apart from their peers--even during the economic downturn, North America Top Companies remained committed to building leadership capability within their organizations. In other words, tighter budgets and fewer resources forced these organizations to think and act smarter and more creatively about what really mattered when it came to leadership--but they didn't lose focus.
"VF Corporation has a strong financial position and great global brands, but we would not be successful without talented leaders and associates. For that reason, we have made development a key priority and spend a great deal of time and resources enabling our people to achieve both personal and professional growth. Gaining recognition as a 'Top Company for Leaders' is an acknowledgement of the outstanding work of our Organization Development team and our entire organization, and I applaud them for this accomplishment," said VF Corporation Chairman, President and CEO Eric Wiseman.
Added Susan L. Williams, Vice President of Human Resources, "VF's leadership and talent development efforts, combined with a culture of integrity, respect and learning, have been important drivers of VF's global success over the past several years. We have an exceptionally talented group of leaders and emerging leaders and enabling their growth has been integral to VF's success, so it is extremely gratifying for VF to be recognized as a 'Top Company for Leaders.' "
"Hewitt would like to congratulate VF as being named one of the North America Top Companies for Leaders," said Bob Gandossy, global practice leader of Hewitt's Leadership Consulting practice. "All global companies today are facing a number of complex business and economic challenges. Through our research, it's clear that Top Companies such as VF do not abandon key leadership and talent efforts in favor of short-term goals. Leaders at these organizations are passionate and committed. They have an intense focus on talent and their leadership programs are practical, relevant and aligned with business goals--in good times and in bad. This mindset is not only what sets North America Top Companies apart from the rest, it's what differentiates successful businesses from unsuccessful ones."
About the Top Companies for Leaders Study
The Top Companies for Leaders study includes 537 organizations around the globe, with an average employee size of 31,443. Eighty-two percent of the participating companies had revenues of $100 million or more. Nearly 42 percent have operations in all regions around the globe.
Hewitt, The RBL Group and Fortune utilized a three-step screening process to identify the finalist companies. This included assessing survey responses, conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing financial performance in relation to industry. Hewitt provided this information to a panel of independent judges in each region to select and rank a 2009 Top Companies for Leaders list in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.
About VF
VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands, including Wrangler(R), The North Face, (R) Lee(R), Vans(R), Nautica, (R) 7 For All Mankind(R), Eagle Creek(R), Eastpak(R), Ella Moss(R), JanSport(R), lucy(R), John Varvatos(R), Kipling(R), Majestic(R), Napapijri(R), Red Kap(R), Reef(R), Riders(R) and Splendid(R).
VF Corporation's press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, www.vfc.com.
Source: VF Corporation
Released November 23, 2009