KT&G Included in Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index for Second Consecutive Year
Ranked No. 1 in global industry ESG evaluation; included simultaneously in the World,
Asia Pacific, and Korea indices
KT&G (CEO Bang Kyung-man) was included for the second consecutive year in the “World Index,” the highest tier of the Dow Jones Best-in-Class (DJBIC) assessment. The company was also included in the Dow Jones “Asia Pacific” and “Korea” indices, earning recognition for its world-class ESG management practices.
DJBIC is an annual sustainability assessment published by S&P Global, the world’s largest financial information provider, and serves as a key benchmark for global investors making responsible investment decisions. In particular, only the top 10% of companies demonstrating outstanding ESG performance among approximately 2,500 global companies by market capitalization are included in the highest tier “World Index.”
KT&G ranked first in its industry category in recognition of its efforts to strengthen sustainability across governance, environmental, and social areas.
In particular, the company received top scores in categories including board independence, diversity policies, and ESG governance structure, demonstrating the excellence of its governance practices aligned with global standards. In the environmental category, KT&G was recognized for its systematic approach to climate change response and water resource management under its “2030 Green Impact” environmental management vision. In the social category, the company also received high marks for its implementation of human rights management practices.
Meanwhile, in December of last year, KT&G became the first company in its industry to receive the highest-ever “AAA” rating in the ESG index assessment conducted by MSCI, a global investment information provider, further demonstrating its world-class ESG management performance.
Shim Young-ah, Chief of KT&G ESG Management, stated, “Our inclusion in the World Index reflects global capital markets’ objective recognition of the company-wide efforts we have consistently pursued to advance ESG management. We will continue strengthening the execution of our ESG management practices alongside enhancing our core business competitiveness and strive to become a company trusted by stakeholders.”