FEATURES
|
|
Posted Mar 13, 2009
 American Express has been a mainstay on the DiversityInc Top 50 for years but in the last two years has demonstrated its increasing commitment to diversity management as a key driver in its business, especially as its industry faces major challenges. In particular, its work-force diversity and inclusive corporate atmosphere drive its excellent retention rates for women and others from traditionally underrepresented groups. |
 Chairman and CEO Kenneth I. Chenault has been a strong supporter of diversity and chairs the company's diversity council. Women are 25 percent of his direct reports and 53 percent of all managers.
The company's U.S. work force is 35 percent Black, Latino and Asian, but new hires are 42 percent Black, Latino and Asian.
American Express has excellent work/life benefits, including backup childcare, paid sabbaticals and tuition reimbursement. The company also has strong benefits for same-sex partners of its employees, including child life insurance.
American Express also has some of the strongest and most inclusive employee-resource groups we've seen. Its 13 networks include a Black and Asian Network, a Jewish Employee Network, a Disabilities Awareness Network, a Generational Awareness Network and a Muslim Employee Network.
Globally, the company's strong values are emphasized every place it does business. The company states: "American Express conducts business according to several principles that have become hallmarks of our brand and our people including integrity, respect for people and team work. These principles are communicated throughout our organization, at all levels. Every employee in every market signs a Code of Conduct which incorporates the company's values and participates in training that helps them apply the principles to their day-to-day activities. That's the formal part. The informal part is based on leading by example … and holding all of our leaders accountable for the way they run their areas of responsibility. Backing up words with actions is every bit as important when it comes to helping employees understand the true meaning of a company's values." |
|
 |
Kenneth I. Chenault, Chairman and CEO
"I often say that in times of crises, leaders are born. In this environment, we must nurture leaders of today and tomorrow to reflect diversity of gender, race, backgrounds and perspectives. This is core to our strategy for long-term success." |
 |
Kerrie Peraino, Chief Diversity Officer
"During difficult economic times, our commitment to diversity comes to the forefront as it relates both to employees as well as customers. We are focused now more than ever on nurturing our diverse talent and attracting a diverse customer base in countries around the globe that can drive growth for the company." |
|
Specialty Lists
- No. 1 in The DiversityInc Top 10
Companies for Recruitment & Retention
- No. 3 in The DiversityInc Top 10
Companies for Asian Americans
- No. 5 in The DiversityInc Top 10
Companies for Executive Women
|
Industry
Financial Services
Main Competitors
Visa, MasterCard
U.S. Headquarters
New York |
Number of U.S. Employees
29,916
Annual Revenue
$28.4 billion
% of Operations Outside U.S.
51 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
