As chief technology officer and senior vice president of research and development, Dr. John Banovetz leads more than 8,000 scientists who connect 3M's 46 technology platforms to solve the real-world needs of customers around the world. In this role, he leverages his many years of experience as both a technology and business leader.
John came to 3M in 1995 as a research chemist in the corporate R&D organization, working primarily on acrylic adhesives and tapes. In 2003 he joined McKinsey and Company, and in 2007 rejoined 3M and assumed responsibility for the overall planning and implementation of corporate strategic initiatives. He served in that role until 2012, when he became global business director for 3M's Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. Three years later, he was tapped to lead 3M's corporate research lab.
In 2016, John moved to West Europe to serve as Managing Director of 3M's D-A-CH region, which represents the company's combined operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He was appointed 3M's chief technology officer and senior vice president of research and development in July 2017.
In his current position, John remains focused on driving change, challenging the status quo and helping develop the 3M leaders of tomorrow. "Leadership is about serving more than yourself," he says. "It's about creating an environment that unlocks the full potential of teams and individuals and, as a result, achieves even higher performance and more engaged employees."
John has a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Stanford University, and a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Hamline University. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and still lives in the same neighborhood he grew up in. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, as well as a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and fishing.