Ashland elects O'Brien to Ashland CEO spot

James J. O'Brien, currently serving as president and chief operating officer of Ashland Inc., has been elected to serve as CEO of the Covington, Ky.-based firm effective Oct. 1.

Sept. 20, 2002

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Sept. 19 -- James J. O'Brien, currently serving as president and chief operating officer of Ashland Inc., has been elected to serve as CEO of the Covington, Ky.-based firm effective Oct. 1. As previously reported, O'Brien will become chairman of the company effective Nov. 15, when the company's current chairman, Paul W. Chellgren, retires (OGJ Online, Aug.13, 2002).

O'Brien joined Ashland in 1976. During that time, he served in the company's chemical and petroleum marketing operations. During 1992-94, O'Brien served as executive assistant to former Ashland Chairman John R. Hall.

In 1994, O'Brien was named vice-president and general manager, branded marketing, for the former Ashland Petroleum Co. He was then appointed to the position of vice-president of the company and president of Valvoline.

In 1997, O'Brien then was named senior vice-president of Ashland. Earlier this year, he relinquished his position at Valvoline to become group operating officer of Ashland, heading up its specialty chemical and distribution arms.