Jefferson, Edward G. (Edward Graham), 1921-2006

Research chemist and chief executive officer of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company.

Edward Graham Jefferson was born in London on July 15, 1921, and received his Ph. D. from King's College of the University of London. He emigrated to the United States in 1951 and began his career with DuPont, where his rise was relatively rapid. He was assistant director of the Research & Development Division (1964-1966), director of the Fluorocarbon Division (1966-1969), assistant general manager of the Plastics Dept. (1969-1970), assistant general manager of the Explosives Dept. (1970-1972), assistant general manager of the Polymer Intermediates Dept. (1972), and vice president & general manager of the Film Dept. (1972-1973).

Jefferson was elevated to the post of senior vice president and director in 1973 and was named president and chief operating officer in 1980. The following year he succeeded Irving S. Shapiro as chairman and CEO. Du Pont had been badly hurt during the 1980 recession by its over-reliance on fibers, and Jefferson steered the company into new fields, including genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics and specialty plastics. A research chemist by training, Jefferson directed huge sums into R & D. The company spent over $ billion on research and employed over 6,000 research scientists and engineers in 1985. Jefferson retired the following year and was succeeded by Richard E. Heckert.

From the description of Papers, 1962-1992, (bulk, 1979-1987). (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 86123725