Ethisphere announced the designation of 128 honorees representing 21 countries and 50 industries as the 2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies. The list includes 16 first-time honorees and eight organizations that have been named to the list every year since 2007.

The companies on the list have met rigorous criteria across five categories covering the quality of their ethics and compliance program, organizational culture, corporate citizenship and responsibility, governance and leadership and reputation.

More than ever, says Ethisphere, the data from the process shows global companies stepping up to advance society and addressing issues like diversity and inclusion, supporting the rule of law and advancing human rights.

Some of the industries and companies included in this year's list: 

Aerospace & Defense:

• Noblis

Automotive: 

• Aptiv
• Cummins
• Oshkosh
• Volvo 

Banking: 

• BMO 
• Fifth Third Bank
• Old National Bank
• Teachers Mutual Bank
• US Bank

Electronic Components: 

• Avnet
• TE Connectivity
• Western Digital

Information Technology Services: 

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• IBM
• Leidos
• Wipro

Non-Profit Business Services: 

• AARP

Payment Services: 

• VISA
• Mastercard

Software Services:

• CA Technologies
• Salesforce
• Teradata

Technology: 

• Dell
• LinkedIn 
• Microsoft

Telecomm: 

• Nokia
• T-Mobile 
• Vivo

“Today employees, consumers and stakeholders value companies that show both a commitment to business integrity and also have the organizational humility to never stop seeking improvement. The World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees understand that this approach has a profound impact on communities and is the foundation for broader success and profitability,” said Ethisphere CEO, Timothy Erblich. “We congratulate all honorees for making our world a better place by blending profit and purpose in a meaningful way.”

The thirteenth class of honorees is among the most sophisticated in cultivating a culture of integrity: measuring whether employees are comfortable speaking up, view leadership as trustworthy and take personal ownership in making sure the company is an ethical place to work.

“Responsibility has been a hallmark of IBM’s culture for 107 years – from our labs to our boardroom – and we’re honored to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said IBM Chairman, President and CEO, Ginni Rometty. “We know our clients and the consumers they serve expect more than groundbreaking innovation and expertise. They want to work with a partner they trust and one that works to make the world better, safer and smarter. We are deeply committed to these values.”

“Our T-Mobile team has created and cultivated an un-carrier culture that is all about driving change, taking a stand for what’s right and setting a new bar for others to follow,” explained T-Mobile CEO, John Legere. “I’m so proud that their commitment to doing what’s right has earned us a spot on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list for the 11th straight year!”