Dave Gunderson to step down as 3M AAD president
3M has announced that Dave Gunderson will step down as president of its Automotive Aftermarket Division (AAD) next month.
He is retiring after 38 years of service to the company, with Chad Carney appointed as his successor.
Gunderson joined 3M in 1988 and built a multifaceted career spanning global business leadership, operations and technical engineering across multiple divisions – including automotive, aerospace and marine. He spearheaded the acquisition of Meguiar’s in 2008, becoming the company’s first director and chief operating officer, before becoming president of the Automotive Aftermarket Division in 2018.
He said: “What stands out most as I reflect on my journey with 3M is gratitude – for the people, the partnerships, and the opportunity to help shape the future of the collision repair industry.
“Over the last eight years, our focus has been clear: listen to our customers, understand the changing realities of their businesses, and deliver meaningful innovation that helps them succeed. From advanced repair solutions and training to tools that support productivity, profitability, and OEM-standard repairs, our commitment has always been to help our customers move forward with confidence.”

Meanwhile, Carney will step up from his role as global vice president of product strategy in 3M’s personal safety division, where continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and manufacturing optimisations have been a focus.
He said: “I am honoured and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Automotive Aftermarket Division. Dave has built a strong foundation – one defined by a focus on our customers and genuine care for our people. As I step into this role, I am committed to building on that legacy while charting an exciting path forward for the industry alongside our exceptional team.”



