DuPont Sustainable Solutions splits from parent DuPont

Some fifty years after commencing their journey, DuPont and DuPont Sustainable Solutions have split paths. Yesterday DuPont Sustainable Solutions – an operations consulting firm to industrialised sectors – unveiled that it had separated from the global conglomerate in order to operate independently.

“For decades we have been helping to make the world a safer place by collaborating with and implementing solutions for clients. Today DuPont Sustainable Solutions is excited to begin its next chapter as an independent firm,” said Davide Vassallo, the chief executive officer of DuPont Sustainable Solutions.

With more than 700 consultants and professionals in around 40 countries, DuPont Sustainable Solutions is a mid-sized international player in the consulting industry. The firm, previously a division within DuPont’s Specialty Products division, serves clients in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, mining and metals and manufacturing. Among the firm’s portfolio of offerings are operations management, workplace safety, compliance and healthcare compliance, innovation, and learning & development. 

The spin-off was initially announced by DuPont in February this year, and following completion of all customary conditions, the deal was closed at the start of this month.The deal has been backed by Gyrus Capital, a Switzerland-based private equity group. Under the umbrella of the financial investor, DuPont Sustainable Solutions aims to grow its footprint, as well as broaden its service portfolio to cater to the changing demands in the marketplace. “Client needs for a broader set of consulting services are growing,” said Vassallo, adding that the consulting firm will seek to leverage Gyrus Capital’s financial muscle to enhance its capabilities in digitisation, data analytics and innovation. 

In addition, according to Vassallo, “operating as an independent company will allow for increased flexibility to serve our clients and bring innovative solutions to market faster.”

As part of the split, DuPont Sustainable Solutions retains its brand and the rights to maintain a connection (logo, services, capabilities) with its former parent, for a defined period of time. The consultancy will continue to be led by its previous management, which alongside chief executive Vassallo includes Vladimir Kral (chief financial officer) and Rose Lee (president). Meanwhile, a trio of Gyrus Capital professionals – Guy Semmens, Robert Watson and Cedric Perlet – have been appointed to the leadership team.

Marc Doyle, the chief executive officer of DuPont, said that his company is extremely proud of the heritage the two companies have built together, adding that he is confident DuPont Sustainable Solutions is “well-positioned to continue providing its clients with world-class services” as an independent company. “We wish them the best as they begin this exciting new endeavour.”