NATION

Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. named Allen F. Jacobson to succeed Lewis W. Lehr as chairman and chief executive when Lehr retires at 65 on March 1.

Jacobson, 59, has been president of U.S. operations for the company since 1984.

“We are fortunate to have such an able business leader to guide our company in the years ahead,” said Lehr, who will remain a director. “His selection should come as no surprise to employees, shareholders or customers.”

Lehr’s seven years as chief executive brought not only a major reorganization, but also renewed focus on quality and innovation, broadened civic participation, greater investments in research and development and new initiatives, such as those in space research and China operations, the company’s press statement said.