Jerry Grunewald’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity, disciplined innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people-centered leadership. Over a span of four decades in the chemicals and materials industry, he evolved from an inquisitive young chemist into a transformative executive whose influence has shaped global operations, advanced manufacturing technologies, and the commercialization of pioneering chemical and materials processes. His journey reflects both the rigor of scientific discovery and the art of developing organizations capable of thriving through change.
Jerry’s path began with a deep appreciation for science, nurtured during his academic years at La Salle University and later at the University of Florida, where he earned his Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry under the mentorship of the esteemed Russell Drago. Drago’s insistence on daily learning—on identifying something new each day that one had not known the day before—instilled in Jerry a lifelong approach to hypothesis-driven problem solving and an intellectual discipline that would underpin his entire career. These early experiences taught him to navigate complexity with clarity and to pursue answers with both creativity and efficiency.
Upon joining DuPont as a research chemist, Jerry quickly found himself immersed in an environment where long-term R&D intertwined with immediate operational challenges. The proximity between the laboratory and the plant floor became foundational in shaping his understanding of innovation as something that must ultimately serve people—operators, engineers, customers, and communities. His early exposure to real-time troubleshooting laid the groundwork for a career that consistently bridged the theoretical with the practical, ensuring that technological advances translated into operational excellence.
As Jerry transitioned into leadership roles within DuPont, he developed an approach grounded not only in technical expertise but also in a deep respect for those closest to the work. When he later moved into production leadership, he spent more than a decade overseeing operations in multiple functions, recognizing that true reliability and transformation arise from listening to the individuals operating the systems every day. This philosophy continued to shape his leadership style as he navigated increasingly complex challenges and responsibilities.
Jerry’s career entered its most expansive chapter during his 21 years with Koch Industries and its subsidiary INVISTA, following the acquisition of DuPont’s nylon, elastane, and polyester businesses. Over the next three decades, he held senior roles that blended innovation strategy, global R&D oversight, plant modernization, and large-scale operational transformation. As Global R&D Director, he oversaw teams across 13 global sites and led significant commercialization efforts spanning laboratory development, pilot processes, and full-plant deployment. His leadership was instrumental in INVISTA’s strategic expansion in China and Europe, where he drove cross-border collaboration and embedded a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
One of the defining features of Jerry’s later career was his leadership of INVISTA’s digital transformation—an initiative focused on bringing the “plant of the future” into reality. As Vice President of Operations Innovation, he orchestrated the integration of AI, automation, and big-data systems into manufacturing environments traditionally slow to adopt emerging technologies. His efforts accelerated the evolution of operations toward Industry 4.0 capabilities and equipped global teams with tools that improved safety, productivity, and reliability. Jerry viewed technology not as a replacement for human expertise but as a multiplier for human potential.
In 2023, Jerry stepped into the role of Chief Technology Officer at INVISTA, where he worked across Koch Industries’ innovation ecosystem to advance corporate R&D strategies, champion new technology platforms, and support enterprise-wide modernization efforts. His leadership reflected not only technical mastery but also an ability to inspire diverse teams, bridge organizational silos, and translate long-term vision into actionable pathways.
After retiring from corporate life in 2025, Jerry channeled his passion for innovation and mentorship into Grunewald Consulting Services. Through this practice, he advises organizations working at the intersection of advanced materials, green chemistry, post-consumer recycling, and next-generation manufacturing systems. His ongoing work reflects both his enduring enthusiasm for scientific progress and his desire to guide leaders navigating the complexities of today’s industrial and economic landscape.
Jerry’s global perspective—shaped by extensive work in China, Europe, and across multinational operations—continues to influence his advisory and board engagements. He currently serves on the advisory boards of Novoloop and Epoch BioDesign, where he supports breakthroughs in circularity, sustainable chemistry, and materials innovation. His longstanding involvement with the Innovation Research Interchange and various nonprofit boards further reflects his belief in service, education, and community impact.
Throughout his career, Jerry has remained anchored by a core belief: that people are the driving force behind every successful transformation. He attributes many of his most important lessons to the operators, mechanics, and frontline workers who shared insights that cannot be found in textbooks. His leadership philosophy emphasizes humility, continuous learning, and the responsibility to empower others to achieve their highest potential.
Today, Jerry continues to bring this blend of technical depth, strategic vision, and human-centered leadership to organizations seeking to grow, innovate, and navigate change. His career represents not only scientific achievement but also a dedication to helping others build confidence, resilience, and clarity amid the complexities of modern industry.
Character:
Jerry demonstrates exceptional character through his commitment to integrity, humility, and the development of others. He consistently prioritizes people as the foundation for sustainable innovation and organizational success. His leadership reflects a deep respect for individuals at every level and a belief that learning from others is central to progress.
Knowledge:
His four decades of experience in chemistry, operations, and digital transformation enable him to offer insights that span scientific, technical, and strategic disciplines. Jerry’s mastery of R&D, commercialization, and global operations makes him a trusted advisor in complex industrial environments. His continued engagement in emerging technologies illustrates his dedication to lifelong learning.
Strategic:
Jerry excels at bridging long-term vision with pragmatic execution, guiding teams through large-scale transformations that deliver measurable results. He anticipates industry shifts and positions organizations to adapt and lead in evolving markets. His strategic mindset enables companies to convert innovation into competitive advantage.
Communication:
Communicating with clarity, empathy, and purpose, ensuring that complex technical ideas become accessible and actionable for diverse audiences. He fosters trust through open dialogue and active listening, emphasizing shared understanding. His ability to align teams around a common mission has been central to his leadership influence.
