DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman stepping down

Ellen Kullman.

Edward Breen, who joined the DuPont board of directors earlier this year, will step in as interim chairman and CEO on that date.

The board has begun the process of searching for a full-time replacement.

“Over the past seven years, with the dedication of our entire team, we have transformed this great company by focusing our portfolio, streamlining the organization and driving innovation that leverages our unique science and engineering capabilities,” the 59-year-old Kullman said in a statement. “With a strong foundation in place, now is the right time for a new leader to continue to drive the pace of change to capitalize fully on the opportunity ahead.”

Kullman has been with the company for more than 27 years and became CEO in January 2009 and board chairwoman the following December.