New Jersey’s corporate heavyweights are once again making their mark on the global stage. As Fortune and global consulting firm Korn Ferry released the 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies (WMAC) list this morning, Roseland-based ADP celebrated a massive milestone: 20 consecutive years as a titan of corporate reputation.
While tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon dominated the “All-Star” Top 5, New Jersey-based organizations proved that the Garden State remains a hub for innovation, smart management and industry leadership.
ADP, a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, secured its spot on the prestigious list for the 20th straight year. The ranking, which polls over 3,000 executives and analysts, evaluates companies on product quality, global effectiveness, and social responsibility.
“We’re honored to receive such notable recognition,” Maria Black, president and CEO of ADP said. “As people and technology continue to grow together… we’re more focused than ever on keeping people at the center. By building an easier, smarter, and more human world of work, we can help move people closer to the work they love.”
Local leaders and industry comebacks
The 2026 list also highlighted significant shifts for other companies with a major New Jersey presence:
-
MetLife: With a massive operational hub in Whippany and offices in Bridgewater, MetLife reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Life and Health Insurance category for the first time since 2015.
-
Johnson & Johnson: The New Brunswick-based health care giant continues to be a mainstay of the list, frequently cited for its innovation and global impact.
-
Merck: Based in Rahway (formerly Kenilworth), the pharmaceutical powerhouse remains a top-tier performer in the industry rankings.
The 2026 rankings were heavily influenced by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. While NVIDIA surged to the No. 4 spot overall, many New Jersey companies are integrating these technologies to stay competitive. ADP, for instance, noted its focus on “applying AI to empower human creativity” as a core part of its future strategy.
The list wasn’t without its upsets. Notable departures from the Top 50 “All-Stars” this year included Novo Nordisk, which has a major U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, and consumer staples giant PepsiCo.
The WMAC list represents 324 companies across 22 countries. To be listed, a company must rank in the top half of its industry survey—a high bar that requires maintaining trust and credibility during periods of economic disruption.
Here are the 2026 Fortune and Korn Ferry Top 10 WMAC All-Stars:
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- NVIDIA
- JPMorgan Chase
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Costco Wholesale
- Alphabet
- Walmart
- American Express
Click here for the complete list. And click here for a Fortune video on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 List, Fortune’s annual survey of corporate reputation, hosted by Fortune Executive Editor Matt Heimer.
The full methodology for the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 List is available here.
