KT&G said it received a “AAA” ESG rating from global investment research firm MSCI, marking “the highest rating ever achieved by a tobacco industry player,” according to the company. MSCI evaluates 8,500 publicly listed companies annually, with ratings ranging from AAA to CCC, which institutional investors use to assess sustainability and ESG competitiveness. The rating improved KT&G from its previous four-year streak of AA ratings.
MSCI highlighted KT&G’s strong governance structure, systematic supply chain management, responsible marketing, and environmental management initiatives as key contributors to the top-tier score. Notably, KT&G’s governance practices—including separation of CEO and board chair roles, 75% independent director composition, and active committees—were singled out for recognition.
KT&G received recognition for its supply chain labor management, expansion of on-site water reclamation infrastructure, and execution of responsible marketing practices. Young-ah Shim, Director of KT&G’s ESG Management Office, emphasized that the rating underscores the company’s global-standard ESG management and commitment to ongoing environmental and supply chain initiatives.
