Fortune magazine’s annual survey finds that Henkel is Germany's most admired company in 2009. The ranking of the "World's Most Admired Companies" is one of the most renowned corporate rankings worldwide.

"We are delighted to have done so well,” said Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted. “This result further demonstrates that we are on the right track, given that the assessment criteria of this ranking coincide very closely with our strategic priorities.”

Henkel made significant strides in both listings. In the German rankings, Henkel leaped from rank 16 to top of the list. Henkel also shot up the international rankings, moving into second place behind Procter & Gamble in the "Soaps and Cosmetics" category.

"Companies of high reputation are like beacons in uncertain times. They shore up people's trust in the economic system," says Ernst Primosch who, as Henkel chief communications officer, is responsible for the management of Henkel's corporate brand.

So what makes a company admirable? Aside from quality, social responsibility and trustworthiness are becoming increasingly important in the minds of customers and consumers, he says. “Hence, these aspects are likewise major contributors to corporate success."

On the international front, Henkel took second place behind Procter & Gamble in the "Soaps and Cosmetics" category.