MIT's 2014 graduation ceremony will feature DuPont CEO, Ellen Kullman, as the keynote speaker.
Ellen Kullman: A Pioneering Leader in Science and Business
Ellen Kullman, a distinguished figure in the world of science and business, has made significant strides in her illustrious career. Most notably, she served as the chair and CEO of DuPont, a company renowned for its innovative solutions to global challenges, from 2009 until 2015.
Born and raised in the United States, Kullman earned her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University in 1978 and her master's degree in management from Northwestern University in 1983. Prior to joining DuPont in 1988, she worked at Westinghouse and General Electric.
Kullman's tenure at DuPont was marked by a collaborative approach to development. She led the company through complex challenges, earning recognition for her ability to steer DuPont towards innovation closely linked to market needs. Her focus on market-driven science was instrumental in propelling the company's growth and competitiveness.
Under Kullman's leadership, DuPont continued its tradition of innovation, introducing thousands of new products and patent applications each year. Notable achievements included honoring legacy scientists like Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of Kevlar, a testament to Kullman's commitment to recognising and celebrating the pioneers of science.
Kullman's leadership style emphasised inclusiveness as a competitive advantage. She was vocal about gender parity and diversity in the workplace, viewing these as smart, market-driven business strategies that enhance productivity, employee retention, morale, and trust. This perspective underpinned her approach to leadership.
In addition to her work at DuPont, Kullman has held several notable positions. She co-chairs the National Academy of Engineering's Committee on Changing the Conversation: From Research to Action. She is also a member of the Business Council, the executive committee of SCI-America, the board of directors of United Technologies Corp., and 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.
DuPont, founded in 1802, is the manufacturer of many household-name products. The company serves a wide range of markets including agriculture, food, electronics, solar energy, construction, and transportation. Today, DuPont continues to uphold its reputation for applying science to solve global challenges.
References: 1. DuPont Announces Ellen Kullman as CEO 2. DuPont Honors Stephanie Kwolek, Inventor of Kevlar 3. Ellen Kullman on Gender Parity and Diversity in the Workplace
- Ellen Kullman, a pioneering leader in science and business, served as the chair and CEO of DuPont, a company known for its innovative solutions to global challenges.
- Kullman's focus on market-driven science was instrumental in propelling DuPont's growth and competitiveness, introducing thousands of new products and patent applications each year.
- She earned her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and her master's degree in management from Northwestern University.
- Under Kullman's leadership, DuPont continued its tradition of innovation, honoring legacy scientists like Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of Kevlar.
- Kullman's leadership style emphasized inclusiveness as a competitive advantage, advocating for gender parity and diversity in the workplace.
- She co-chairs the National Academy of Engineering's Committee on Changing the Conversation: From Research to Action and is a member of several other notable boards.
- DuPont, founded in 1802, serves a wide range of markets including agriculture, food, electronics, solar energy, construction, and transportation.
- Today, DuPont continues to uphold its reputation for applying science to solve global challenges, including those related to energy, environment, and public education.
- Kullman's impact extends beyond DuPont, as she champions innovation in the tech and business sectors, contributing to the education and development of future leaders in these fields.
