Eli Lilly Named a Top Global Company for Leaders

Expert panel considers leadership practices, culture, development and overall corporate impact

INDIANAPOLIS, 1 December 2011 —
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has been named one of the top 25 global companies for leaders by Aon Hewitt in partnership with FORTUNE and the RBL Group. Lilly ranked 16th on the Global 25 list and 12th on the North American list.

The survey is one of the most comprehensive studies of talent management and leadership practices around the globe.

Here is how it works. Companies first complete an extensive survey, and senior executives from 182 global finalists are interviewed. An expert panel of independent judges then selects and ranks 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 they operate, business performance, and company reputation.

“Lilly is honored to be named one of the top companies in the world for cultivating leadership talent,” said Steve Fry, senior vice president of human resources and diversity.”

“Our long-term responsibility is to ensure Lilly has a talent pipeline for the future. Just as we work diligently to advance our drug pipeline, we need to do the same for our people pipeline. We are constantly working to identify and develop leaders,” Fry said.

Lilly has emphasized the importance of having a strong succession management process for many years.

As a result, the vast majority of Lilly’s senior management team has been developed within the company.

Many began their careers at Lilly affiliates around the world. Presently more than 50 percent of the company’s top leadership is from outside the United States.

In addition to its global succession management process, Lilly’s offers a variety of programs and activities, including experiential learning programs, on-line trainings, and teaching opportunities, designed to build leadership skills.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world’s most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.