Douglas Muzyka: “Globalization of Science and Technology: DuPont’s Experience in China,” a JPS Event

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Founded in 1802, DuPont has pioneered the development and application of science and technology to become the world’s most dynamic science company. DuPont scientists have brought innovative new solutions to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services. With a rapidly growing population the world needs scientists and engineers to invent and innovate new ways to feed, protect, and energize society more than ever before.

DuPont’s presence in China began in 1863, as a trading company that received its first order from the Qing Dynasty. It has evolved into a fully integrated organization, with more than 7,500 employees located at seven research and development/technical centers, dozens of manufacturing plants, and offices, including joint ventures. A new expansion is currently under way at the DuPont China R&D Center.

Mastery of basic science integrated with regional customer needs has driven continuous innovation, which has been key to this transformation. These principles continue to be fundamental to the DuPont Science and Technology organization as it moves into its third century of operation.

Douglas Muzyka is senior vice president and chief science and technology officer of DuPont. He joined the company in 1985 as a research scientist and held a variety of research and research-management roles in North America through 1994. Muzyka was named director of Technology and New Business Development for DuPont Nylon, Asia Pacific, in 1994 and at that time relocated to Hong Kong. From 1994 to 1998 he participated in many plant start-ups and new venture developments throughout the Asia Pacific region. In 1998 Muzyka relocated to the United States to become global business director for the Nylon Industrial Specialties business, a position he held until January 2001. He was then named president and general manager of DuPont Mexico. He was named president and chief executive officer of DuPont Canada, Inc., in January 2003 and was concurrently named vice president and general manager of DuPont Nutrition and Health in September 2003. In July 2006 he returned to Asia, assuming the role of president of DuPont Greater China. He was named to his current position in September 2010. Muzyka has served on advisory boards for universities in Singapore and Canada, as well as on boards of chambers of commerce, industry associations, and business councils on sustainable development in Canada, Mexico, and China. He was born in Canada and graduated as class valedictorian from the University of Western Ontario with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering. Muzyka completed additional research for his doctorate at the Université de Téchnologie de Compiègne in France and worked as a researcher in the coal industry in France before joining DuPont.