Philip Morris International’s (PMI) affiliates in West and Central Africa, have been honored as a Top Employer for the ninth consecutive year by the Top Employers Institute. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture, solidifying its reputation as an employer of choice in a dynamic global workforce.
Fred Patitucci, PMI’s Chief People & Culture Officer, highlighted the significance of the milestone. “Being named a Global Top Employer for the ninth consecutive year is an outstanding achievement and one that all my colleagues can take immense pride in. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to embedding culture not merely as a function or policy but as a business-driven strategy where all employees are collectively accountable for embodying our values and behaviors, for bringing to life our PMI DNA,” Patitucci said.
This award reflects a tailored approach to empowering employees. Thierno Diallo, PMI’s General Manager for West & Central Africa reveals how this recognition reflects their local commitment to employee well-being and growth. “Being recognized as a Top Employer in West and Central Africa for the ninth consecutive year is a proud moment for all of us. This achievement is a reflection our efforts to implement global best practices while adapting them to meet the unique needs of our team. Our people are at the heart of our success. We remain dedicated to providing an environment that inspires innovation and enables our people to grow both personally and professionally.”
The certification is part of a broader success story for PMI, which has been recognized as a Global Top Employer for the ninth consecutive year. In 2025, PMI affiliates achieved certification in 32 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, further cementing the company’s leadership in employee engagement and workplace excellence.
Jean Fabrice Kacou, Director People & Culture West & Central Africa outlines the specific strategies and programs implemented to create an inclusive, innovative, and supportive work environment. “We are honored to receive this prestigious certification once again, which reflects our relentless efforts to prioritize the wellbeing and growth of our employees. Our tailored HR practices ensure that every employee has the tools, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential”.
The Top Employers Institute awards certifications based on a rigorous HR Best Practices Survey, which evaluates organizations across six domains, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Diversity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing.
David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, commended the 2025 awardees for their resilience and adaptability. “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? In a time of constant change—where technological, economic, and social shifts are ever-present—exceptional times bring out the best in people and organizations. This year’s Top Employers Certification Programme has showcased this strength. The certified Top Employers for 2025 have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their employees globally, earning their place as an exclusive group.”
The recognition reinforces PMI’s broader vision of creating a people-centered culture, ensuring employees thrive in an environment that values innovation, inclusion, and purpose.
Philip Morris International (PMI), is one of the 17 international organizations awarded with this year’s Global Top Employer certification. The certification reflects PMI's commitment to developing a growth-oriented and inclusive culture as outline in the PMI DNA—an internal cultural framework built upon shared values and behaviors to ensure that approximately 82,700 PMI employees worldwide feel safe, heard, and engaged with a clear purpose and a strong sense of belonging.
About Top Employers Institute
Top Employers Institute is the #1 global authority on HR strategies. With our world-leading Certification and data-led insights, we guide and empower organizations in delivering transformational people practices, driving business outcomes and helping them attract, engage and retain top talent. In 2025, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2,400 organizations in 125 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 13 million employees globally.
Read more at: Top Employers Institute
Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free Future
Philip Morris International (PMI) is a leading international tobacco company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company’s current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $12.5 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate, and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes.
For more information, please visit pmi.com and pmiscience.com .
