At Kimberly-Clark, we focus on developing employee programs that retain and recruit engaged and skilled talent reflective of our customers, consumers and communities. We view diversity and inclusion not only as issues of gender, age and race, but also in terms of the unique ways that people think and feel, and their backgrounds, skills and experiences.

Valuing and managing diversity and inclusion is a critical component for our long-term success. We believe that it inspires innovation, enhances consumer and investor confidence and attracts and retains the best of all people. K-C's commitment to diversity also includes cultivating employee networks to connect people who have common interests and backgrounds with each other and supporting national organizations dedicated to advancing diversity.

Promoting a culture that values and capitalizes on individual and collective talents, opinions, perspectives and ideas makes us a more innovative company. We believe that the interaction between diverse teams will ultimately yield superior results, far beyond the capabilities of teams comprised of people who think, work, talk and behave alike.

Our diversity business case at K-C is based on the fundamental belief that all consumers are important. Given the fact that the combined buying power of all minority groups in the United States alone is more than $1.8 trillion, it is clear that we must understand the lifestyles, preferences and buying habits of all consumer groups. We also believe that investors respond more favorably to companies that address diversity and inclusion concerns and opportunities both in the workplace and community.

By respecting our differences and similarities, we create an environment that more people want to join. Our employees must also be capable of marketing and selling, as well as delivering, products to a global and diverse customer base. Therefore, as a company, we exercise every opportunity to attract, develop and retain a diverse global talent pool.

To learn more about K-C's commitment to diversity and inclusion view our 2007 Sustainability report.