Ashland Appoints Hughes to Investor Relations Post

Ashland Distribution Companyt C. Hughes has been named director, investor relations and business development for <%=company%>, according to Paul W. Chellgren, chairman and CEO. Hughes will report J. Marvin Quin, senior vice president and CFO with regard to his investor relations duties, and will report to James R. Boyd, senior VP and group operating officer for his business development responsibilities. Hughes replaces William P. Hartl, who is retiring after 33 years with Ashland.

In this position, Hughes will assist in various corporate business development activities, identifying and reviewing potential corporate business growth opportunities. His investor relations responsibilities will include on-going communications with the financial analyst and institutional investor communities.

Ashland Inc. supports operations in specialty chemical production, chemicals and plastics distribution, motor oil and car care products, and highway construction. Ashland Chemical is at distributor of chemicals and plastics in North America and a supplier of specialty chemicals worldwide.