PARIS, Sept 10, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is proud to announce that Francoise Gri, the company's President of France, has been named to Fortune's "International 50 Most Powerful Women in Business" list for the sixth consecutive year.

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This is Fortune's 12th annual list of the 50 most powerful women in global business who not only preside over influential businesses, but also stand out in what remain male-dominated industries. The magazine ranked honorees based on the size, importance and health of their companies in the global economy; their career momentum; and their cultural and social influence. By changing the face of international business, these women also are helping change the world. Gri is ranked 42nd on the 2009 list, which was revealed today.

"Francoise's repeated recognition among the world's best and brightest women business leaders underscores her significant accomplishments at Manpower, as well as her contribution to the discussion of labor policy in the French market," said Jeff Joerres, Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO. "Francoise not only brings tremendous energy and creativity to her role as president of our largest and most influential single market, but also prominence as an internationally recognized leader in the business services industry. We are convinced that diversity of thought, perspective and experience lead to a more sustainable, profitable company."

Gri joined Manpower Inc. in February of 2007 as President of Manpower France. Generating nearly $7 billion, more than a third of the global company's total revenue, she leads an organization of nearly 5,000 employees, across 840 offices serving over 90,000 clients annually. Gri is also leading the company's global initiative in furthering market position in the professional services segment of the industry.

Earlier this year, Gri was awarded with the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur Medal in recognition of her achievements as a leading businesswoman. This distinction is the French equivalent of being knighted. In 2003, she received the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite (Order of Chivalry) from the then French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Gri serves as Vice-President of the French FACE Foundation (Foundation for Action to Combat Exclusion), a board director for STX Europe ASA and an active member of the Ethics Committee of the French Business Movement (MEDEF).

Prior to joining Manpower, Gri worked for IBM where she served, most recently, as President and Director General of its French and North African divisions.

Manpower's highest ranks are filled with contemporary women leaders. Today, as country managers, senior and executive vice presidents and board directors, women lead the way in many of Manpower's most influential management roles. Currently at Manpower, five out of 13 of the Executive Management Team and more than 40 percent of country managers worldwide are women. Earlier this month, Manpower was recognized as the only employment services firm named to PINK Magazine's "Top Companies for Women" list for the second consecutive year.

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. With over 60 years' experience, the $22 billion company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. Manpower's worldwide network of 4,100 offices in 82 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at www.manpower.com.

About Manpower France

Manpower France creates employment solutions. With revenues of 5.1 billion euros in 2007, the company is organized into a network of 840 branches. Manpower France works with more than 90,000 clients (including small and medium-sized businesses and large French and international companies) in industry, construction, transportation, logistics and services. Manpower France is ISO certified 9001:2000. Together with its subsidiaries, the company has 4,700 permanent employees. More information on Manpower France is available at www.manpower.fr.

SOURCE Manpower Inc.

http://www.manpower.com

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