balance SHEET.

• Author: Jessup, John P.
• Position: Brief Article - Interview

John P. Jessup might be considered an anomaly by today's standards. At a time when most people build careers by jumping from job to job, he's stuck with the same company -- both learning and growing his career -- for the past 27 years. While he didn't expect he'd stay at the large company he'd chosen right out of graduate school, the financial career started with the Du Pont Company has taken him literally around the world and back -- with assignments in the U.S., Tokyo, Toronto, and the U.S. again. He says he's been fortunate for the different jobs in a company with a top-notch financial organization and solid commitment to training. Also, the inter national assignments provided great opportunities for both him and his growing family to learn about other people and see another side of the world. In fact, his young son -- age six at the time -- was his translator at a Japanese vegetable stand!

Title: Vice President Finance and Controller

Company: Du Pont Company

Business/Industry: Diversified manufacturer specializing in high-performance materials, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals and biotechnology.

Born: April 28, 1948, Wallace, Idaho

Spouse: Melissa O. Jessup

Children: Paul, 21; Mary, 19

Education: A.B. in Political Science, 1971, University of North Carolina; M.B.A., Finance, 1974, Babcock Graduate School of Management, Wake Forest University

Career History: 1974-81, various finance and international finance assignments;, 1978-81, Regional Finance Manager-Latin America; 1982-86, Managing Director, Du Pont Japan, Tokyo; 1987-90, Global Finance Director-Agricultural Products; 1990-92, Senior Vice President and CFO, Du Pont Canada, in Toronto; 1992-95, Global Finance Director-Fibers/Nylon.

FEI Chapter: Delaware

Leisure Pursuits: "Exercise, which includes racquet sports -- primarily tennis; some squash and paddle ball -- skiing; some walking, hiking, travel and reading." In fact, Jessup and his wife recently spent their 25th anniversary hiking in the Austrian hills. "Time" is the biggest impediment to leisure, and he's thinking of "re-taking up" golf in retirement, adding, "That's a long way off." He and his wife enjoy international travel, although he admits there's much of the U.S. to see, and they especially enjoy their time as a couple now that the children are grown. Reading is a "downtime" activity for Jessup, who says there are always several books on his nightstand. Since he was a political science major, his interests are...