3M names new chief technology officer

3M has announced the appointment of Dr Ashish Khandpur as its new senior vice-president for research and development and chief technology officer, effective immediately.

Dr Khandpur has been with the company since 1995 and has been promoted multiple times in the last two decades, eventually establishing and leading the organisation's first local laboratory in India in 2006.

His most recent leadership role was that of vice-president and general manager for 3M's personal safety division. As such, he can boast a proven track record of success across multiple businesses and geographic regions.

Dr Frederick Palensky, his predecessor in the role, will be retiring from 3M after an illustrious career with the firm spanning 37 years.

Inge Thulin, 3M's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "As our chief technology officer, his global experience is a huge asset and I am confident that he will lead our research and development teams to even greater success in the future."

This follows the appointment of Nicholas Gangestad as 3M's new senior vice-president and chief financial officer last month.