The Global 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 of leadership practices and culture, examples of leader development on a global scale, impact of leadership in communities in which companies operate, business performance and company reputation. IBM topped a list of 470 global companies that are committed to building leadership capabilities within their organizations.

The FORTUNE survey notes that leadership, more than ever, is the single largest determinant of competitiveness in business, and that the demand for leaders will only intensify in the current business environment. According to the study, creating a pipeline of emerging business leaders is essential to developing a strong leadership brand, and critical to helping organizations sustain business performance.

"This recognition reflects IBM's ongoing commitment to developing leaders from deep within our global organization. This is a discipline that is both world class and uniquely IBM," said Randy MacDonald, IBM's Senior Vice President of Human Resources. "As we enter our second century, leadership development will remain at the top of our agenda as we groom the next generation of leaders skilled at collaborating across teams, cultures, countries and businesses."