Deere & Company Included Among 'Global Top Companies for Leaders'

    


    
</pre>
<p>MOLINE, Ill., <chron>Nov. 19</chron> /CNW/ -- Deere & Company (NYSE: DE)  has been named to Fortune Magazine's 2009 list of Global Top Companies for Leaders, which ranks Deere 14th globally and 8th in <location>North America</location> among companies around the world.</p>
<pre>
    

    (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030326/JOHNDEERELOGO)

    
</pre>
<p>The recognition is based on criteria that includes strength of leadership practices and culture; examples of leader development on a global scale; impact of leadership in communities in which it operates; business performance; and company reputation.</p>
<p/>
<p>"It is an honor to be recognized for our dedication to leadership development as well as our overall commitment to leadership excellence," said Samuel R. Allen, president and chief executive officer at Deere & Company. "Our goal for each employee is to see them develop to their fullest potential. With a focus on leadership skills, we continue to position the company to serve its customers, communities, employees and other stakeholders."</p>
<p/>
<p>The Global Top Companies for Leaders study has been completed annually since 2002. This year's ranking is the highest ever for Deere & Company and the first time for Deere in the prestigious Top 25. The rankings are based on a review of the company by an expert panel in what is considered the most comprehensive global study of organizational leadership.</p>
<p/>
<p>The study is conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global consulting and outsourcing company, in partnership with The RBL Group, a strategic HR and leadership systems advisory firm. Hewitt compared the Global Top Companies with 510 other companies around the world, reporting that companies in the Top 25 remained committed to building leadership capability even in a bad economy - a distinguishing factor for those organizations selected.</p>
<p/>
<p>"The continuous focus on leadership excellence at Deere begins with a commitment from the Board of Directors," said Allen. "This commitment includes involvement from senior officers and managers throughout the company to identify, assess, and track potential leaders for the future and assist these individuals to gain the appropriate mentoring, assignments, and global experience as their careers progress."</p>
<p/>
<p>Bob Gandossy, global leader of Hewitt's Leadership Consulting practice said, "All global companies today are facing a number of complex business and economic challenges. Through our research, it's clear that Global Top Companies such as Deere & Company do not abandon key leadership and talent efforts in favor of short-term goals. Leaders at these organizations are passionate and committed."</p>
<p/>
<p>Deere continues to innovate in its leadership program, Allen said. An example is the upcoming addition of a concept centered on leaders training leaders, an initiative in which veteran leaders help the company become a "teaching organization" by sharing real life experiences with those developing their skills.</p>
<p/>
<p>The Global Top Companies for Leaders Study reviewed 537 organizations utilizing a three-step process to identify finalist companies. This included assessing survey responses, conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing financial performance in relation to industry. The data was then reviewed by a panel of independent judges.</p>
<p/>
<p>Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. <person>John Deere</person> also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.</p>
<pre>
    




    

For further information: Ken Golden, Director, Strategic Public Relations of Deere & Company, [phone] Web Site: http://www.deere.com