Ashland Inc. Names Sam Mitchell Valvoline President

COVINGTON, Ky., Jan. 3 -- Samuel J. Mitchell, Jr., 40, has been named president of The Valvoline Company, and vice president of Ashland Inc. , according to Paul W. Chellgren, Ashland Inc. chairman and chief executive officer.

In this position, Mitchell is responsible for Valvoline's worldwide marketing of motor oils, Eagle One® appearance products, automotive chemicals, as well as its continued growth in the quick-lube business, and its expanding presence in the development of new premium products.

With sales in more than 140 countries worldwide, Valvoline is a leading innovator and supplier of high-performance automotive and industrial products. Registered in 1873, Valvoline® is the oldest name and trademark for a lubricating oil in the United States.

Mitchell will report to David J. D'Antoni, senior vice president and group operating officer of Ashland Inc. responsible for Valvoline and APAC, Inc., two wholly-owned business units of Ashland Inc.

``Sam's appointment is not only exceptional news for Valvoline, but for Valvoline customers, as well,'' D'Antoni said. ``His proven business knowledge, marketing acumen, and strong leadership skills are talents that complement Valvoline's total commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and service. Ashland and Valvoline are fortunate to have a pool of internal talent from which bright, creative and innovative leaders can be promoted,'' D'Antoni continued. ``There's no question that Sam will inherit a strong organization, and lead it to new levels of success,'' he concluded.

Mitchell joined Valvoline in 1997 as the director of brand marketing. With increased experience, he was named vice president of marketing in Aug. 1999. Since Oct. 2000, he has served as the vice president and general manager retail business. During the past two years, Mitchell is credited with the marketing success of MaxLife, a first of its kind motor oil, designed specifically for the lubricating needs of high-mileage cars.

A native of Birmingham, MI, Mitchell received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1983 and a master's degree of business administration from the University of Chicago in 1988. Prior to joining Ashland, Sam worked for The Clorox Company in various leadership positions in brand and category management for eight years. He is currently serving as the co-chair for the category management committee of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.

``Valvoline is a great organization,'' Mitchell said. ``I'm looking forward to continuing to work with the dedicated employees at Team Valvoline to innovate, create new products, and to serve the needs of our many loyal customers around the globe,'' he concluded.

Mitchell and his wife, Beth, have two daughters. They will continue to be located in Lexington, Ky.

Ashland Inc. is a Fortune 250 company providing products, services, and customer solutions throughout the world. Our businesses include road construction and materials, lubricants, car-care products, specialty chemicals, chemical and plastics distribution and transportation fuels. Through the dedication of our employees, we are ``The Who In How Things Work(TM)''. Find us at www.ashland.com