DuPont (NYSE: DD) has appointed William S. Niebur as vice president for DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development.  In this role, Niebur will be responsible for driving worldwide crop genetics research strategies to create new value for seed and agricultural value chain customers through advanced plant genetics.

Niebur currently is responsible for discovery research at the DuPont subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.  Niebur succeeds James Miller, who will stay with the company through 2005 to ensure a smooth transition.

"Bill's mandate is to deliver our robust crop genetics pipeline to customers while continuing to strengthen our plant genetics research capabilities," said Erik Fyrwald, group vice president - DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition.

Niebur, 48, has extensive global experience in plant genetics and biotechnology.  In his current role, he has been instrumental in integrating new and proprietary technologies like gene shuffling and marker assisted selection into DuPont plant genetics product development.  Earlier in his career, Niebur made material contributions to the development of the best performing corn hybrids for North America and Europe. Niebur joined the company in 1983.

DuPont is a science 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, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.