In this series, ChEnected introduces readers to the recipients of AIChE’s 2025 Institute and Board of Directors’ Awards. These high honorees are nominated by the chemical engineering community and voted upon by the members of AIChE’s Awards Committee.
The Industry Leadership Award is presented to individuals or teams working in industries served by chemical engineers, and recognizes accomplishments in management; sales and marketing; public, community, and industrial relations; and public service.
In 2025, AIChE will present the industry Leadership award to Daryl Roberts, Chief Operations & Engineering Officer at DuPont. Roberts is being recognized for "his inspiring and visionary leadership in operational excellence and sustainability across the industry, and as a passionate champion of future engineers and innovators." He and the other Institute and Board of Directors’ Award recipients will be honored at the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting, November 2–6 in Boston, Massachusetts.
About Daryl Roberts
Daryl Roberts has built a career shaping global manufacturing and operations. As Chief Operations & Engineering Officer at DuPont, he oversees engineering, procurement, logistics, operational excellence, and safety across more than 130 sites worldwide. Under his leadership, the company has advanced continuous improvement, launched productivity strategies, and reduced working capital, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and growth.
Before joining DuPont in 2018, Roberts spent two decades at Arkema, Inc. in leadership roles spanning manufacturing, technology, supply chain, health and safety, and regulatory affairs. He managed operations across the Americas, led site consolidations, and drove programs that delivered consistent profit growth. Earlier in his career, he held engineering and EHS positions at Eastman Kodak, where he gained experience in process optimization and plant startups in the United States and abroad. His path reflects a steady rise from process engineer to global executive, combining technical expertise with people-centered leadership.
Influence on industry and community
Roberts has also been a visible voice in industry leadership. He advises boards and senior leaders on operations, safety, and sustainability, and has represented companies in high-level discussions with government, regulators, and community stakeholders. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for American Electric Power and the American Chemistry Council, and previously served on the AIChE Board of Directors. He has also contributed to organizations that support education, youth development, and diversity in engineering.
Roberts has consistently emphasized operational excellence as a driver of profitability and organizational culture. He has guided teams through mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, pairing performance improvements with a focus on safety and employee well-being. Known as a collaborative and inclusive leader, he is recognized for aligning business goals with the people and communities that sustain them.
Mentorship and service to the profession
Roberts is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Howard University College of Engineering, supporting students pursuing STEM careers. His own journey — from an ROTC-funded chemical engineering student at Howard, to Army officer, to global executive — highlights the opportunities available to young engineers who combine discipline with vision.
He has also mentored emerging leaders throughout his career, fostering a culture where talent development is seen as central to organizational success. His consistent advocacy for diversity and inclusion is reflected in his corporate leadership and his work with national committees dedicated to broadening participation in engineering.
This fall, ChEnected is presenting a series that profiles all the 2025 Institute and Board of Directors’ Award recipients. Visit ChEnected regularly to meet the honorees.
