Deere & Co. last week said it has been named to Fortune Magazine’s 2009 list of Global Top Companies for Leaders, which ranks Deere 14th globally and 8th in North America among companies around the world.

The recognition is based on criteria that includes strength of leadership practices and culture; examples of leader development on a global scale; impact of leadership in communities in which it operates; business performance; and company reputation.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our dedication to leadership development as well as our overall commitment to leadership excellence,” said Samuel Allen, president and CEO at Deere & Co. “Our goal for each employee is to see them develop to their fullest potential. With a focus on leadership skills, we continue to position the company to serve its customers, communities, employees and other stakeholders.”

The Global Top Companies for Leaders study has been completed annually since 2002. This year’s ranking is the highest ever for Deere & Co. and the first time for Deere in the Top 25. The rankings are based on a review of the company by a panel in what is considered the most comprehensive global study of organizational leadership.

The study is conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global consulting and outsourcing company, in partnership with The RBL Group, a strategic HR and leadership systems advisory firm. Hewitt compared the Global Top Companies with 510 other companies around the world, reporting that companies in the Top 25 remained committed to building leadership capability even in a bad economy — a distinguishing factor for those organizations selected.

The Global Top Companies for Leaders Study reviewed 537 organizations utilizing a three-step process to identify finalist companies. This included assessing survey responses, conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing financial performance in relation to industry. The data was then reviewed by a panel of independent judges.

Deere & Co. is headquartered in Moline, Ill.