Bill Brown was already CEO of 3M.

Now, he’s set to be chairman of the multinational conglomerate’s board of directors, too.

Brown, who became CEO of 3M last year, will officially rise to the chairman’s role on March 1, following a just-announced appointment by the board. He’ll continue as CEO as well.

William M. “Bill” Brown, 3M

Brown takes over as chairman for Michael F. Roman, who is retiring as chairman and board director. Roman was also previously 3M’s CEO, a role that Brown filled after him. Roman will serve as an executive advisor to the board until May 1.

Company leaders said Brown is the right person for the chairman’s position.

“Today’s decision underscores the board’s confidence in Bill’s vision for 3M and strong leadership of the company,” said Jim Fitterling, 3M’s lead independent director. “I thank Mike for his leadership in guiding 3M through significant challenges and transformation, and for his strong support of the transition to Bill as CEO and now chairman.”

Said Brown: “It’s an honor to be appointed as chairman of the board and for the opportunity to further focus on 3M’s bright future and our growth, operational excellence and capital deployment priorities.”

Brown, who holds an MBA from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Villanova University, is the former board chairman and CEO of L3Harris Technologies, a company that provides aerospace and defense technology solutions.

Brown was chairman, president and CEO of Harris Corporation prior to its merger with L3 Technologies in 2019. He joined Harris Corporation in November 2011 as president and CEO. Prior to Harris Corporation, Brown spent 14 years at United Technologies Corporation, serving in a variety of leadership roles.

In addition to Brown becoming chairman, the 3M board named David P. Bozeman, president and CEO of C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., as a director, effective Feb. 6, 2025. Bozeman replaces Amy E. Hood, who did not stand for reelection to the board.

Counselor Top 40 supplier 3M/Promotional Markets (asi/91240) is part of 3M, a Minnesota-headquartered publicly traded multinational conglomerate that operates in fields that include consumer goods, healthcare and worker safety. 3M/Promotional Markets recently shared with ASI Media that its 2024 sales declined about 3%.

Based on reported 2023 North American promotional products revenue of $108.8 million, 3M/Promotional Markets ranked 17^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.