PwC US Ranks No. 1 on DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity List

NEW YORK, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC US was named No. 1 on DiversityInc's 2012 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list, after a breakthrough year during which huge gains in diversity were seen at the senior-most levels of PwC and among all companies named to the list.

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A total of 587 companies from a wide range of industries participated in the 2012 DiversityInc competition, up 11 percent from last year. The full list can be found at www.DiversityInc.com/top50.

"We are deeply honored to be recognized by DiversityInc," said Bob Moritz, PwC's US Chairman and Senior Partner. "This is tribute to all our people, who bring our diversity and inclusion efforts to life by living PwC's values and behaviors every day.  Today's global economy requires organizations to have an inclusive culture that enables them to attract and retain diverse talent. As such, we have been on a journey at PwC to create that culture and diversify our talent and our leadership. We are humbled to be in such good company on this list, and recognize that our journey and our work must continue."

Diversity is a constant on PwC's agenda, and the firm continues to accelerate its efforts in growing and sustaining an inclusive workplace. PwC has a number of initiatives designed to attract, retain, and advance talented, diverse professionals. Notably, the firm's Chief Diversity Officer has a permanent home at the leadership table, and the position rotates every two to three years to foster new thinking and perspectives for the benefit of all PwC clients, staff, and stakeholders. Additionally, all 2,500 US partners are asked to identify three to five diverse professionals to sponsor and are, in part, evaluated on their advocacy and investment in these individuals at the end of each fiscal year.

"U.S. Chairman and Senior Partner Bob Moritz has a comprehensive understanding of the business case for diversity and holds his direct reports and managing partners accountable for results," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. "Starting eight years ago, PwC decided to have partners spend a rotational tour as the chief diversity executive, Maria Castanon Moats being the latest. This is a critical best practice that has propelled PwC to the top."

PwC was also recognized by DiversityInc in the following categories for innovative initiatives in the following areas:

• No. 1 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Recruitment & Retention
• No. 1 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Executive Women
• No. 5 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Global Diversity
• No. 6 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees
• No. 8 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Asian Americans

Methodology

A total of 587 companies participated in the 2012 DiversityInc Top 50 competition, up 11 percent from last year. Twelve percent more companies were able to answer every question on the 300-field survey, which is divided into four parts: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity.

The results are determined by statistical analysis. It is an independent editorial process and there is no fee to enter the competition and no requirement to conduct business with DiversityInc.

There has been significant movement on the list this year:

• Twenty companies moved up in rank; 24 moved down; six kept the same ranking
• Three companies moved on to the list from the 25 Noteworthy Companies list last year
• Two companies came back to the list after falling off last year
• Two companies made the list for the first time, one of which was a first-time participant

Surveys are sent out in October to all interested companies that have at least 1,000 employees, with a due date for an online submission of March 1. There is no fee to enter and companies that have business relationships with DiversityInc get no preference. Every company that fills out the survey receives a free report card assessing performance in the four areas measured. Any company interested in participating in 2013 should contact [email protected].

"This is a transitional year," said Visconti. "We were struck by the change of diversity of the CEOs and managing teams of the companies on our list. It's much different from just five years ago. I see this as being a result of increasing emphasis at the most competitive companies, who link diversity management to creating a nimble and innovative corporate culture."

About the PwC Network
PwC firms help organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for. We're a network of firms in 158 countries with close to 169,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

© 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

SOURCE PwC US