PARIS, Oct 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) President of France Francoise Gri has been named to Fortune magazine's prestigious list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in International Business for the seventh year in a row.

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Gri, who in France leads Manpower's biggest single market, moved up three places from the 2009 list--where she was ranked in 42nd place--to 39th on this year's list. She joins other prominent female business leaders such as Cynthia Carroll, CEO of Anglo-American, and Gail Kelly, CEO of Westpac on the 13th annual list, which recognizes women who successfully lead businesses and have significant cultural and social influence.

"To be recognized on such a benchmark list of the most outstanding women in business for seven years running is an excellent achievement," said Jeff Joerres, Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO. "It is also richly deserved-- Francoise is one of our global women leaders who bring a diverse perspective to our organization which allows us to better serve our clients. She also works closely with the French government to address employment issues in the country and is a champion of diversity. On behalf of the Manpower group of companies, I'd like to congratulate Francoise."

Under Gri's leadership, Manpower France generates nearly $5 billion in annual revenues, almost a third of the global company's total revenue. She leads an organization of nearly 4,400 employees, across more than 813 offices and serves over 90,000 clients annually. In the second quarter of 2010, Manpower France recorded year-on-year growth in revenues by an impressive 22 percent.

Over the past year, Gri took on the additional responsibility for leading the design of a major global strategic initiative to establish a global go-to-market strategy for one of the company's specialty businesses, elevating it to a new level and making it 35 percent of the nearly $17 billion organization.

In June 2010, Gri published a book titled "Pleading for Responsible Employment," in which she recorded details of discussions with employees and clients during the 2008-2009 recession, the lessons she learned from this period, as well as her observations and analysis of the employment market in France. In her book, Gri calls for mobilization, such as putting an end to a bifurcated labor market that excludes young people, and implementing more diversity in the workplace.

In 2009, Gri received the French equivalent to a knighthood, the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur from former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. In 2003, Gri also received the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite, an Order of Chivalry awarded by the President of the French Republic.

Gri is regularly featured in prominent French, European and international business and news media to share her insight and expertise as a thought leader on labor market trends and leader in innovative workforce solutions. Gri serves as a board member of Edenred (formerly Accor Services), as member of the Supervisory Board of Rexel and on the Ethics Committee of the French Business Movement (MEDEF).

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in innovative workforce solutions; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. With over 60 years' experience, Manpower offers employers a range of solutions and 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 4,000 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.

SOURCE Manpower Inc.

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