INDIANAPOLIS, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Eli Lilly and
Company (NYSE:
LLY) has been named to the 2011 NAFE Top 50 Companies for
Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives
(NAFE).  The list recognizes organizations whose policies and
practices encourage women’s advancement and whose numbers at the
highest levels of leadership demonstrate that commitment. Lilly
received the award first in 2009, and again in 2010.

“It truly is an honor to win this award for the third
consecutive year,” said Shaun Hawkins, chief diversity officer. “At
Lilly, we’re confident that the acceleration of our commitment to
efforts, such as the professional growth and development of
executive women, ultimately will lead to better business results
and innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes.”

The 2011 NAFE Top Companies application includes 225 questions
on such topics as female representation, hiring, attrition and
promotion rates; access and usage of key retention and advancement
programs such as mentoring, executive coaching, networking and
sponsorship; company culture; and manager training and
accountability. To be considered for the NAFE Top Companies for
Executive Women, companies must have a minimum of two women on
their board of directors as well as at least 500 employees in the
U.S.

“Women have long struggled to reach the highest ranks in a
male-dominated business environment, but with the growing
profitability of companies with women in the top ranks, that is
changing,” said Dr. Betty Spence, NAFE president. “Today, employers
reward the skills that women bring and demand them of men, as
well.”

NAFE will honor each of the top companies at a gala luncheon in
New York City on March 30.  A report will be published in NAFE
magazine and also is available online on

SOURCE