Edward Breen will assume the role on an interim basis

DuPont has announced that Ellen Kullman, Chair and CEO of DuPont, will retire from the company effective October 16, and Edward Breen, a current member of the DuPont Board of Directors, will assume the role of Interim Chair and CEO of DuPont.

“Over the past seven years, with the dedication of our entire team, we have transformed this great company by focusing our portfolio, streamlining the organisation, and driving innovation that leverages our unique science and engineering capabilities, said Kullman. “With a strong foundation in place, now is the right time for a new leader to continue to drive the pace of change to capitalise fully on the opportunity ahead. I want to express my sincere thanks and admiration to all of my DuPont colleagues around the world.  I have complete confidence that they will realise the enormous potential of the next generation DuPont.”

Alexander Cutler, DuPont’s Lead Independent Director, thanking Kullman for leading the company consistently through constructive change for over 27 years, added, “Ed Breen’s record of achievement and broad experience make him well-suited to lead the company, while the Board completes its search for the next executive to lead DuPont,”

Breen on his part, said, “Looking ahead, we will continue to drive productivity, and we plan to conduct a deep dive into the details of our cost structure and allocation of capital to ensure we deliver appropriate returns for shareholders.”