Philip Morris International Inc (PMI) today announced that CEO André Calantzopoulos has joined The Valuable 500 − a global movement putting disability inclusion on the business leadership agenda. Signing on to this initiative marks another significant step in PMI’s journey of advancing inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

André Calantzopoulos said: “Businesses with a global operating footprint, such as PMI, can make a meaningful impact by ensuring that everyone − including individuals with a disability − can prosper in the workplace.
“By signing The Valuable 500, I am proud to join forces with a host of other CEOs who are challenging their organisations and the business world to broaden the focus of their inclusion and diversity efforts, and to help create a more inclusive world for the 1.3 billion people with disabilities.
“the right thing to do…”
“This is the right thing to do as part of our broader work to create a more equitable society. And it is also the smart thing to do, allowing PMI to tap into a population of talented individuals whose diverse perspectives and life experiences will help us to unlock the creativity and innovation needed to propel us toward our vision of a smoke-free future.”
A powerful, far-reaching commitment
In 2021, as part of this commitment to action, PMI will (i) establish a Global Employee Resource Group on Disability as a forum through which to create a greater understanding of what it means to have a disability and build a shared sense of community and allyship among all employees; (ii) make its internal and external communication technologies more accessible to all; and (iii) reduce the prejudice and misunderstanding associated with disability, with a focus on mental health, to create a workplace in which individuals feel comfortable speaking openly about these topics. More information is available here.
Putting disability on the business leadership agenda
We believe everyone has a unique perspective, and when disabled people are included, we all win.”
Caroline Casey
Caroline Casey, founder of The Valuable 500, said: “We are delighted to welcome PMI as a member of The Valuable 500. Our global movement is putting disability on the business leadership agenda. By joining our inclusion revolution, businesses have the opportunity to accelerate growth, drive innovation, and improve brand reputation. We’ve created a powerful business community to support these companies as they advance along their disability inclusion journeys and celebrate those that are leading the way. We believe everyone has a unique perspective, and when disabled people are included, we all win.”
Businesses and business leaders have a critical role to play in progressing equality and inclusion around the world and driving social change. PMI is committed to maintaining a culture that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion so that as many different voices and experiences as possible are included in PMI’s innovation practices. By more accurately reflecting society as a whole across the company’s employee base, PMI will be better equipped to serve its customers and make progress toward its vision of a smoke-free future.
About the The Valuable 500
Launched by social entrepreneur and activist Caroline Casey at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in January 2019, The Valuable 500 aims to put disability on the global business leadership agenda.
The Valuable 500 was created by Binc, the organisation founded by Caroline Casey in 2015, with a mission to ignite a historic global movement for a new age of business inclusion – capitalising on Casey’s 18-year track record of success engaging over 450 organisations. The campaign has won three awards: a Cannes Lion, D&AD, and a BIMA.
Our goal is to persuade 500 multinational companies that have at least 1 000 employees to make a public commitment to advance disability inclusion in their organisation. By engaging the most influential business leaders and brands, we want to create a tipping point within business that unlocks the business, social, and economic value of the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities around the world, and the millions of us who will become disabled over time.
We believe that if business takes a lead, society and government will follow, and truly inclusive businesses can build truly inclusive societies.
Caroline Casey