Mike Mills

About Mike Mills

I am an experienced Technical and Program Manager with a robust background in product development and project management, driven by a passion for new product commercialization and a proven track record of consistently delivering exceptional results. With extensive global experience rooted in engineering and industrial manufacturing, I specialize in leading, developing, and transforming cross-functional, multinational teams into cohesive, high-performing units. I am an empowering leader who ensures people have what they need to succeed and achieve their goals. I am a collaborative, data-driven problem solver who instills confidence in decision making.Throughout my career, I\'ve served as a catalyst for change, most recently as the PMO Manager responsible for overseeing the division\'s new product development and sustaining initiatives. In this role, I established a streamlined commercialization process, which led to the achievement of division objectives, including on-time metrics and substantial growth in new product sales. I took milestone attainment from 35% to an impressive 80% and boosted new product sales by 80%. These achievements were particularly impactful in key industries such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, nuclear, polymer processing, and other industrial sectors.Previously, I served as a Senior Lab Manager for the ceramics and glass business, where I created technology roadmaps that provided a clear vision, direction, and priorities. This strategic approach resulted in 10% sales growth in a $300 million business and a 10% cost improvement.I also developed commercialization training for a large acquisition to ensure alignment between processes. I developed and implemented an R&D certification process to ensure consistency in product development for our global lab. The key industry for this was in the health & personal care business.Recognized as a \'right-hand man\', I am known for my work ethic, accessibility, open-mindedness, and pleasant personality. As a PMP Certified professional, I have successfully managed R&D personnel, projects, and products for many years, launching more than 20 successful products that have collectively generated over $2.5 billion in revenue. Additionally, my intellectual property strategy and right-to-practice assessments have resulted in six issued US patents.I am passionate about driving innovation and continuous improvement in all aspects of my work, and I look forward to connecting with like-minded professionals to explore new opportunities and challenges.

Experience

1. Senior Project Manager

   3M

   Apr 2025 — Present · St Paul, MN, US

   Semiconductor Program Leadership:Global Program Leadership: Team leader for the development of our new MR Pads products in semiconductor\'s Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) segment. I lead multiple teams for this diverse and profitable product portfolio, identifying strategies to meet the dynamic needs of customers and markets.Coaching & Mentoring: In addition to my own projects, I coach and mentor the \"accidental project managers\". I work one on one with teams and champions to drive accountable execution discipline across a broad array of projects. I work with product and business development teams to roll out new products/applications for global elite semiconductor customers to achieve significant growth.

Education

• Brigham Young University

  Bachelor's degree