Avient Corporation announces that David N. Schneider has joined the company as SVP and president of Specialty Engineered Materials. Schneider succeeds Christopher L. Pederson, who retired in June 2025 after serving seven years in the role.

Schneider has more than three decades of experience in specialty materials and businesses at 3M, serving customers in a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and industrial markets.

He most recently served as global business VP for the Electronics Materials Solutions Division at 3M, where he was responsible for delivering growth and operational performance across a complex global portfolio. He began his career in process engineering and manufacturing roles, progressing into product management, business development, and P&L leadership roles.

He also led M&A acquisition integration, synergy capture and overall value creation for a global business unit.

“Dave is a customer-first, innovation-focused leader with a history of driving sustainable organic topline growth with margin expansion on the bottom line,” says Dr. Ashish Khandpur, chairman, president, and CEO of Avient Corporation. “Throughout his career, he has built high-performing teams, accelerated product innovation, and deepened customer partnerships across a wide range of industries.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a collaborative, can-do team culture,” adds Schneider. “This team’s dedication to customer focus and scaling differentiated technologies that align with secular trends is truly inspiring. I firmly believe in Avient’s strategic direction, the strength of its leadership team, and the substantial upside for growth and value creation that lies ahead.”