Edgar S. Woolard Jr.
Edgar S. Woolard Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 April 1934 Washington, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | 4 December 2023 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1957–2010s |
| Known for | Chairman and CEO of DuPont (1989–1995) |
Edgar Smith Woolard Jr. (April 15, 1934 – December 4, 2023) was a prominent American executive. He held the positions of chairman and chief executive officer at DuPont between 1989 and 1995.
Early life
Woolard was born in Washington, North Carolina and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering at North Carolina State University in 1956. He also served as a lieutenant in the United States Armed Forces.
Career
Beginning his tenure at DuPont in 1957, Woolard started as an industrial engineer at the company's facility in Kinston, North Carolina. He progressed through various manufacturing and leadership roles located in Wilmington, Delaware, Old Hickory, Tennessee, and Camden, South Carolina. During his leadership as CEO and chairman from 1989 to 1995, DuPont experienced a 160 percent increase in its stock value.
In 1998, Woolard became a board member of Telex Communications, later serving as its chairman from 2000 until 2003. His governance experience extended to boards such as the New York Stock Exchange, Citigroup, Apple Inc., IBM, and Bell Atlantic. Beginning in January 2010, he provided advisory services to Acorn Energy. Beyond corporate roles, Woolard contributed to the North Carolina Textile Foundation, led The Business Council as chairman between 1995 and 1996, and was affiliated with the Bretton Woods Committee.
Philanthropy
Woolard was recognized as a member of both the National Academy of Engineering and the American Philosophical Society. In 1988, he earned the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from NCSU. His philanthropy included donations exceeding US$1 million to support the John T. Caldwell Alumni Scholarships at North Carolina State University. The University of Delaware honors him through the Edgar S. Woolard Chair named after him.
Personal life
Married to Peggy Harrell, Woolard was father to two daughters. His residences included Wilmington, Delaware; Jupiter, Florida; and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He died on December 4, 2023, at the age of 89.