Philip Morris International’s India Affiliate Recognized by The EQUAL-SALARY Foundation

IPM India receives global certification acknowledging fair pay and commitment to equal growth opportunities for its global workforce

NEW DELHI, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Philip Morris International Inc.’s (PMI) India affiliate IPM India has received a global certification for its achievements in fostering a culture of fairness in the workplace – placing the company among the top organizations globally providing equal pay and growth opportunities for employees. The EQUAL-SALARY Foundation recognized PMI for paying all employees equally for equal work everywhere it operates. This marks the third time that IPM India has been awarded for its equal pay policies since 2019.

The certification demonstrates that IPM India champions equal pay and has established robust and transparent policies that empower every employee to excel and seize equal opportunities for growth and success.

This year, in addition to recognizing fair pay, the certification acknowledges IPM India’s enduring commitment to equal opportunities that enable employees to thrive, grow, and drive change, creating a culture that attracts the best talent.

Commenting on the recognition, Navaneel Kar, Managing Director, IPM India, said, “We are honoured to receive the recognition from EQUAL-SALARY Foundation. The certification is a testament to our dedication to equality and fairness- fostering a collaborative and employee-centric workplace. We believe organizations with diverse teams and equitable cultures enable innovation & meaningful transformation. We are committed to providing an environment, where our people are rewarded fairly and empowered to reach their full potential, connecting to their purpose and driving positive change.”

“Providing fair and equal remuneration to men and women is our top priority,” added Kingshuk Das, Director, People & Culture, IPM India. “Building talent is fundamental to business success and we are committed to providing the right tools and equal opportunities that support employees to cocreate their own path. At IPM India, we are constantly adopting best practices where personal situations are understood, differences have value and all people are treated with equity and respect.”

Lisa Rubli, co-CEO of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, commented, “PMI’s third global EQUAL-SALARY certification is a landmark achievement. It represents more than a commitment to equal pay for equal work between women and men. It reflects a deep, ongoing effort to build fairness and equal opportunity into every stage of the employee experience. Through rigorous salary analysis and qualitative audits, PMI has demonstrated a culture of openness, accountability, and continuous improvement. This recertification is not only a recognition of what has been achieved for over 83,000 PMI employees around the world, it is a call to the business world to do more.”

Valid for three years, the Equal Pay and Opportunities certification provides independent, third-party verification that IPM India pays all employees fairly and objectively for the same job or a job of equal value. The EQUAL-SALARY Foundation has certified companies in 90 countries, involving almost half a million employees. 

PMI has been featured among the top 10 companies in the WSJ Management Top 250 Annual Company Ranking. In addition to being recognized by the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, IPM India has received Great Place to Work certification for four consecutive years and Top Employer recognition for five consecutive years.

About IPM India Wholesale Trading Private Limited:

IPM India Wholesale Trading Private Limited is a joint venture between Philip Morris Brands SARL of Switzerland and two Indian entities, Godfrey Phillips India Limited and K.K. Modi Investment & Financial Services Private Limited.

About the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation 

EQUAL-SALARY is a non-profit foundation established in 2010. It offers certification procedures based on a transparent and robust methodology comparable to an ISO standard for salaries and processes. The development of EQUAL-SALARY certification has been financially supported by the Federal Office for Equality (FOGE) and its methodology, developed in collaboration with the University of Geneva, has been recognized by the Swiss Federal Court. It is the only certification for equal pay recognized by the European Commission in a report on the pay gap. EQUAL-SALARY is also a member of EPIC – the International Coalition for Equal Pay, the United Nations Global Compact and the Alliance for Pay Transparency.

To date, the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation has certified companies in 90 countries, involving almost half a million employees. A number of certified companies have renewed their commitment up to 6 times, demonstrating a strong desire to promote fairness and strengthen the trust and respect of their employees, customers and partners. As an EQUAL-SALARY employer, an organization is in an excellent position to attract and retain talent and to prove that it respects the rules of good governance.

About the Equal Pay and Opportunities, by EQUAL-SALARY certification process, a symbol of excellence

Similar to an ISO standard for wages, the Equal Pay and Opportunities, by EQUAL-SALARY process includes two phases: First, experts contracted by EQUAL-SALARY run statistical analyses of salary data. Upon having concluded phase 1 successfully, demonstrating an overall pay gap equal to or lower than 5 per cent, phase 2 is initiated. Phase 2 consists of an audit conducted by major audit firms such as PwC, Forvis Mazars or SGS, who assess both the company’s overall commitment to equal pay, equal opportunities, and its implementation in Human Resources processes. To allow a comprehensive approach, top management, HR and employees are involved by means of surveys and interviews during the on-site audit. Only the companies that meet all requirements of all phases successfully are awarded the Equal Pay and Opportunities, by EQUAL-SALARY certification, proving their excellence in equal pay and equal opportunities.

The Equal Pay and Opportunities, by EQUAL-SALARY Certification allows organizations to verify and communicate that they pay their employees and offer equal opportunities fairly across gender, ethnicity, or both. It is a practical and scientific solution to achieve transparency while preserving confidentiality.

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