3M appoints new chief design officer

3M is aiming to enhance the design of its various products and devices through the appointment of Eric Quint as its new chief design officer.

Mr Quint joined the firm at the beginning of April from fellow electronics, healthcare and consumer products company Philips and will aim to enshrine design quality as a key competitive differentiator throughout the 3M group.

He was previously employed as global head of design management at Philips and was responsible for directing award-winning global design teams across business-to-business and business-to-consumer industries.

More than 40 international design awards were earned under his leadership in the US, Europe and Asia, including six individual accolades, with his inventions including the Cool Skin shaver from Philips and Nivea.

Ian Hardgrove, senior vice-president of marketing, sales and communications at 3M, said: "I'm looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues from design, research and development and marketing to drive innovative solutions for our customers."

Last month, the company announced a technology alliance with M*Modal that will bring new functionality to the 3M 360 Encompass healthcare information system.