DuPont CEO, Ellen Kullman, to Deliver MIT's 2014 Commencement Address
In the world of business and science, few names resonate as significantly as that of Ellen Kullman. Kullman, a distinguished figure in the industry, has left an indelible mark on DuPont, a company she has led since 2009.
Kullman joined DuPont in 1988, after stints at Westinghouse and General Electric, and her journey with the company began as a marketing manager. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, becoming group vice president of DuPont Safety & Protection in 2002, and eventually, the chair of the board and CEO in 2006.
During her tenure, Kullman's leadership was defined by a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and addressing global challenges. She championed the legacy of innovation at DuPont, recognising the contributions of DuPont inventors like Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of Kevlar, thereby highlighting her appreciation for creative scientific leadership and role models for women in science.
Under Kullman's guidance, DuPont became a hub where technical achievement and innovation thrived. She emphasised the importance of collaboration within teams and across disciplines, driving DuPont's efforts to develop advanced materials with wide-ranging industrial and safety applications.
Regarding global challenges, Kullman's leadership was marked by her ability to navigate complex business, regulatory, and societal landscapes while maintaining DuPont's competitiveness in a global market. She also advocated for gender parity and diversity, speaking publicly about the importance of inclusion and transparency in pay equity as a strategic business advantage.
Kullman's promotion of market-driven science as a means of propelling innovation was instrumental in DuPont's continued success. She served on the boards of Tufts University and its School of Engineering, and was a member of the board of directors for Change the Equation, a coalition of CEOs committed to improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning for pre-K to 12 students in the U.S.
Kullman's departure in 2015, after 27 years at DuPont, sparked discussions around strategic challenges the company faced during her final years. However, her leadership was largely seen as successful in fostering innovation and global collaboration.
DuPont, founded in 1802, is a manufacturer of many household-name products and serves a wide range of markets including agriculture, food, electronics, solar energy, construction, and transportation. The company's mission, as described by MIT President L. Rafael Reif, is to use science to improve the world.
In summary, Ellen Kullman's accomplishments as DuPont CEO were marked by sustaining innovation leadership, encouraging collaborative scientific breakthroughs, and promoting diversity and inclusion within a global corporate context. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of DuPont and the broader scientific community.
