“Pierre Dupont” can refer to multiple notable people; the most common are members of the du Pont family in the U.S. and several French figures with the same name. The two most frequently meant are Pierre Samuel du Pont (American industrialist, 1870–1954) and Pierre‑Samuel du Pont de Nemours (French economist, 1739–1817).
American industrialist
Pierre Samuel du Pont (1870–1954) led E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. as president (1915–1919) and then chairman (1919–1940), modernizing management and finance; he also became president of General Motors in 1920 and later chaired its board. He helped guide GM’s early 20th‑century growth and was associated with major projects like the Empire State Building’s founding board.
French economist
Pierre‑Samuel du Pont de Nemours (1739–1817) was an Enlightenment economist tied to the physiocrats, later a statesman involved in early phases of the French Revolution and Franco‑American relations. He emigrated to the United States with his sons; his son Éleuthère Irénée founded the powder works that became the DuPont company.
U.S. politician “Pete du Pont”
Another frequent referent is Pierre S. “Pete” du Pont IV (1935–2021), Delaware’s governor (1977–1985) and former U.S. Representative (1971–1977), who sought the 1988 Republican presidential nomination. He was known for fiscal reforms in Delaware and later policy advocacy and think‑tank leadership.
Other people named Pierre Dupont
- Pierre Dupont (French poet‑songwriter, 1821–1870), known in French literature and chanson.
- The name also appears across business and arts; clarification (field, country, or timeframe) helps identify the intended person.
