Pioneer Hi-Bred Chairman Oestreich to Retire

DuPont announced that Dean C. Oestreich, DuPont vice president and Pioneer Hi-Bred chairman has elected to retire effective Dec. 31.

Oestreich was named chairman in November 2007 and has been instrumental in developing long-term business and growth strategy for Pioneer. He plans to remain active in business following his retirement, working with Pioneer and others to further increase agriculture productivity.

"Dean’s contributions, from his early days as a plant breeder to his leadership roles across the organization, have helped shape the successful business Pioneer is today,” said James C. Borel, DuPont executive vice president. “He has dedicated his career to improving agriculture and we look forward to tapping into his expertise and leadership in the future.”

Oestreich joined Pioneer in 1974 as a corn breeder and quickly moved up the ranks to leadership positions in information management, production operations, international sales operations and North America business management. He was named a Pioneer vice president in 1999 and became the 10th president of Pioneer in January 2004.

In addition, he serves on the board of directors of Alliant Energy; is a director for the Chinese Cultural Center of America, a member of the Iowa Business Council; and serves on the executive committee of the Biosciences Alliance of Iowa, as well as the board of directors for the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world’s leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

DuPont  is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.