New 3M CFO has shared history with chief executive

Bill Brown’s first major hire as 3M’s CEO is a longtime collaborator from his previous employer.

The Maplewood-based company announced Thursday that Anurag Maheshwari will be the manufacturer’s next chief financial officer starting Sept. 1.

“I have known and worked with him for more than 20 years and am confident that his leadership and expertise will play a vital role in driving profitable growth at 3M,” Brown said in a news release.

Maheshwari comes from elevator company Otis and previously worked at defense contractor L3Harris and its predecessor Harris Corp., which Brown led for many years.

“I look forward to working again with Bill and partnering with the team to advance the company’s priorities and make a positive impact for our customers, employees and shareholders,” Maheshwari said in a statement.

He replaces Monish Patolawala, who left to take a job at Chicago-based food company ADM.