Deere Selected as a Top Company for Leadership Development

MOLINE, Ill., Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Deere & Company has been included in the 2011 Top Companies for Leaders listings published by Fortune magazine. Deere was selected for both U.S. and global recognition.

The Top Companies for Leaders study is the most comprehensive, global research on leadership in the market, examining the link between leadership practices and financial results. The study is conducted by Aon Hewitt, a global human resource consulting and outsourcing enterprise.

The research studies how organizations assess, select, develop, and reward leaders, and it examines the execution of leadership practices, as well as the strategy that guides it.  

"Leadership development is an important part of our strategy at John Deere," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and CEO. "Our global growth aspirations further emphasize the importance and need for a strong leadership development process."

An expert panel of independent judges selected and ranked those companies named to the listings based on criteria including strength of leadership practices and culture, examples of leader development on a global scale, impact of leadership in communities in which the companies have a presence, business performance and company reputation.

Deere ranked 9th on the U.S. list and 14th globally. These rankings are similar to the company's placement on the list two years ago when the study was last completed.

Researchers learned that Deere has a very deliberate process for recognizing future leadership candidates and providing assignments and opportunities for those employees to gain the necessary skills and mentoring to help lead the organization.

When comparing the Global Top Companies with more than 470 other companies worldwide, Aon Hewitt identified a common characteristic that sets them apart from their peers – Global Top Companies are committed to building leadership capability within their organizations.

Pete Sanborn, global leader of the Talent and Organization Practice with Aon Hewitt said, "Through our research, it's clear that Global Top Companies such as Deere understand the connection between investing in leaders and financial success. Leaders at these organizations are passionate and committed. They have a focus on talent and developing leaders in a manner that is aligned with business goals."

About the Global Top Companies for Leaders Study  

With more than 1,200 data points and 900 executive interviews, the Aon Hewitt 2011 Global Top Companies for Leaders Study is the most comprehensive, global research on leadership in the market, examining the link between leadership practices and financial results.  This study explores how organizations assess, select, develop, and reward leaders, and examines the execution of leadership practices, as well as the strategy that guides it.  To learn more or to download a copy of this study, please visit www.aon.com/topcompanies.

About Deere & Company

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity.  For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.

SOURCE Deere & Company