IBM today is being recognized as one of the 2019 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute.

Ethisphere – a global organization devoted to defining and advancing ethical business practices – honors companies driving positive change in business and society. Companies recognized are role models in ethics and compliance, organizational culture, governance, corporate citizenship, and leadership and reputation.

"Responsibility has been a hallmark of IBM's culture for 107 years – from our labs to our boardroom – and we're honored to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies," said Ginni Rometty, IBM Chairman, President and CEO. "We know our clients and the consumers they serve expect more than groundbreaking innovation and expertise. They want to work with a partner they trust, and one that works to make the world better, safer and smarter. We are deeply committed to these values."

Responsible stewardship of data and technology, the future of jobs and skills, and leading the way on diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of IBM's ethical commitments. Last year –as trust in technology came under heightened global scrutiny – IBM published its Principles for Trust and Transparency, which have long guided the company. They stress the belief that the purpose of new technologies is to augment – not replace – human intelligence, and that data and the insights derived from technology belong to the businesses who own them. The Principles also emphasize that new technologies brought into the world must be open, transparent, explainable and free of bias.

IBM also is recognized globally as a leader in expanding the pathways through which students and professionals can build skills for today's technology era. That includes "new collar jobs," where having the right skills matters more than having a specific degree.

In addition, fueled by record diverse hiring, promotion and retention, IBM last year achieved its greatest progress in a decade on diversity representation among global executive women and underrepresented minorities. The company also advocated with governments around the world for policies that help ensure workplaces are as inclusive and diverse as the world we live in.

"On behalf of the Ethisphere Institute, I'd like to personally congratulate IBM's more than 350,000 employees on being recognized as a 2019 World's Most Ethical Company," said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere CEO. "We especially applaud IBM's innovative leadership in education and skills, science and technology for social good, and advancing the dialogue around AI and ethics. In addition, IBM's leadership in volunteerism is bringing together communities around the world and making the world a better place."

About the Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character and measure and improve culture. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies recognition program and provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA). More information about Ethisphere can be found at: https://ethisphere.com.