Not quite three weeks after 3M announced the slashing of 6,000 jobs to reduce costs and announced several changes to senior leadership, the manufacturing company has terminated a longtime 3M executive for misconduct. 

On April 25, the company announced that Michael Vale — a 30-year veteran of the company — was appointed Group President and Chief Business and Country Officer to oversee three of 3M’s four business groups, customers operations, country governance and emerging markets. The position on the corporate operations committee was newly-created as part of 3M’s recent restructuring actions. 

On May 12, 3M fired Vale due to “inappropriate personal conduct and violation of company policy unrelated to company operations or financial performance,” 3M announced in a May 15 release posted to its website. The details were not disclosed.

Vale previously served as Group President of 3M’s Safety and Industrial business.

What’s Next for 3M Leadership? 

3M has initiated a search for Vale’s successor. 

Meanwhile, the leaders of the three 3M business groups Vale was responsible for — Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, and Consumer — will report to 3M Chairman and CEO Mike Roman.