2009 Ellen J. Kullman
Ellen J. Kullman became DuPont’s first female chief executive officer on Jan. 1, 2009. She is the 19th executive to lead the company founded in 1802. She became chair of the board on Dec. 31, 2009. Prior to becoming CEO, Kullman was president of the company from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008. She has steadily climbed the list of Fortune magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women, clinching the No. 7 spot for 2009 and 2010.