Directors and Officers

Guillermo Novo joined Ashland’s Board of Directors in May 2019 and he became Chief Executive Officer of Ashland December 31, 2019. Previously he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Versum Materials and a member of its Board of Directors.

Novo also served as Executive Vice President, Materials Technologies of Air Products. He joined Air Products in 2012 as Senior Vice President Electronics, Performance Materials, Strategy and Technology. Prior to Air Products, he was employed by Dow Chemical Company where he most recently served as group vice president, Dow Coating Materials.

Novo began his career in 1986 with Rohm and Haas Company (which merged with Dow in 2009) and over the next 24 years progressed through a variety of commercial, marketing, and general management positions, living in South America, the U.S. and Asia. In 1998, he was named a vice president at Rohm and Haas, and in 2006 he became a corporate officer and one of five group executives on the corporate leadership team.

He holds an industrial engineering degree from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Novo also serves on the advisory board for the College of Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Central Florida.

Steve Bishop is the recently retired chief executive officer of P&G consumer health care. In this capacity, he led the $11 billion consumer health care reportable unit. Previously, he served in president or group president roles across other P&G global operating units. He is a disciplined, results oriented leader who has a deep passion for innovation. As a mentor to several executives, he also supported the personal development of women and minorities and enabled broader executive level diversity in the company. Bishop is a graduate of Purdue University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.

Sanat Chattopadhyay, is the recently retired executive vice president of Merck and Company (NYSE: MRK) where he served as a key advisor to the CEO, an Executive Committee member, and President of the Manufacturing Division. Prior to Merck and Company, Mr. Chattopadhyay has held leadership positions at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Aventis, Hoechst Marion Roussel and Hoechst India.

A broadly experienced global executive, Mr. Chattopadhyay brings strong industry leadership in manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, and more. He has led commercialization in complex operations that span 22 countries including cutting-edge manufacturing technology while successfully navigating the ever-changing, globally complex, and heavily regulated industry of biopharmaceuticals.

Suzan Harrison has held a variety of leadership positions at the Colgate-Palmolive Company. She was named president, global oral care in 2011, a position she held until her retirement in 2019. Previously, she was president, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. North America, and held other senior leadership positions, including vice president, marketing, for Colgate U.S., and vice president and general manager of Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, North America and Europe. She has strong operational experience in consumer products and a passion for sustainability. Harrison is a member of the Board of Directors of WestRock Company, and ADM where she chairs the Sustainability and Social Responsibility committee. Harrison holds a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Binghamton University.

Ashish K. Kulkarni, Ph.D., joined the Ashland Board in May 2024. Mr. Kulkarni is the CEO of Kebotix, a startup company focused on commercializing artificial intelligence methods into new material commercialization. He is the former executive vice president and chief innovation officer of GAF, a role he held from 2020 to 2022. At GAF, Dr. Kulkarni led the company-wide innovation strategy threading together its products, services, business processes and business models. Prior to GAF, Mr. Kulkarni served as the executive vice president and chief technology and innovation officer of Avantor, Inc. (NYSE: AVTR) a global manufacturer and distributor in the biopharmaceutical, healthcare, education and government and advanced technologies and applied materials industries, from 2016 to 2019. At Avantor, Dr. Kulkarni had an impressive record of incubating new technologies and building growth-minded pipelines. Prior to Avantor, Dr. Kulkarni was chief technology and innovation officer at Celanese Corporation from 2010 to 2016. Prior to that Dr. Kulkarni held leadership positions at United Technologies Corporation, American Standard and General Electric.

Dr. Kulkarni received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His relevant experience over a 28-year career, significant experience in innovation models and methods, R&D, strategic planning, technology including artificial intelligence and robotics technologies for materials, business transformation credentials, and diversity bring relevant and necessary skills, experience, and perspective to the Ashland Board.

Bertrand Loy joined the Ashland Board in May 2026. Mr. Loy served as executive chairman and chief executive officer of Entegris, Inc., a leading supplier of advanced materials and process solutions for the semiconductor and high-technology industries from 2012 until August 2025. He also served as chairman of the board from April 2023 until July 2026, including as executive chairman from August 2025 to July 2026. He was elected to the board of directors of ITT Inc. in June 2026. Prior to serving as chief executive officer, Mr. Loy also held a variety of senior leadership positions at Entegris from August 2005 to August 2012, including executive vice president and chief operating officer and as executive vice president responsible for information technology, global supply chain, and manufacturing operations. Prior to joining Entegris, Mr. Loy served as chief financial officer of Mykrolis Corporation, a publicly traded filtration, separation and purification company serving the semiconductor and life sciences industries, from 2001 to 2005.

Mr. Loy also served on the board of directors of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. from 2014 to 2025, including as lead director from 2019 to 2025, and served on its Audit and Finance Committee during portions of his tenure.

Mr. Loy received an M.B.A. from ESSEC Business School in France. He brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, including extensive expertise in global operations, finance, strategic planning, advanced manufacturing, technology-driven growth initiatives and corporate governance. His significant public company executive and financial leadership experience, including service as a chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as well as his public company audit and finance committee experience, provide valuable perspective and insight to the Ashland Board.

Susan L. Main joined Ashland’s board in July 2017 and serves as the Lead Director and is on the audit committee and compensation committee. Ms. Main served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, a leading provider of advanced technology and high reliability products for the aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research markets, from 2012 to 2023. Prior to that, she was Vice President and Controller of Teledyne, a position she held for eight years. From 1999 to 2004, Ms. Main served as Vice President and Controller for Water Pik Technologies, Inc. She also held numerous financial roles at the former Allegheny Teledyne Incorporated in its government, industrial and commercial segments. Earlier in her career, Ms. Main held financial and auditing roles at the former Hughes Aircraft Company. She is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton.

Jerome A. Peribere joined Ashland's board in January 2018. He serves on the Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality Committee and the Compensation Committee. Mr. Peribere retired as president and chief executive officer of Sealed Air Corporation in December 2017 after serving in that role since March 2013. He previously worked for 35 years at The Dow Chemical Company, where he held a variety of leadership roles throughout the world. Mr. Peribere previously served as president and chief executive officer of Dow Advanced Materials, where he led the integration of the Rohm and Haas acquisition. Prior to that, he spent the majority of his career in Dow AgroSciences.

Allen A. Spizzo joined the Ashland Board in July 2026. Mr. Spizzo served as vice president and chief financial officer of Hercules Incorporated, a global specialty chemicals company, from 2004 until the company’s acquisition by Ashland in 2008. Prior to becoming chief financial officer, he served as vice president of Corporate Affairs, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development from 2002 to 2004 and as vice president of Investor Relations and Strategic Planning from 2000 to 2002.

Mr. Spizzo joined Hercules in 1979 and held numerous leadership positions during nearly three decades with the company. As chief financial officer, he was responsible for finance, accounting, treasury, tax, investor relations, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate development. He played a significant role in strengthening the company’s financial performance and in the successful sale of Hercules to Ashland in 2008. Since 2008, he has served as a business and management consultant focused on the chemicals, materials, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries, and has also served as an investment adviser and asset management trustee.

Mr. Spizzo has served on the boards of directors of several public and private companies, including Ferro Corporation, and has advised organizations across the chemicals and advanced materials sectors.

Mr. Spizzo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Akron. He brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in finance, capital allocation, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. His extensive financial leadership experience and deep knowledge of the specialty chemicals industry provide valuable financial, strategic, and operational perspective to the Ashland Board.

Peter T. Thomas joined the Ashland Board in July 2026. Mr. Thomas served as chair, president and chief executive officer of Ferro Corporation, a leading global producer of technology-based performance materials for manufacturers serving the specialty chemicals, electronics, industrial, and coatings markets, from 2013 until the company’s acquisition in 2022. Prior to assuming that role, he served as interim president and chief executive officer beginning in November 2012.

Prior to becoming chief executive officer, Mr. Thomas held a series of executive leadership positions during more than a decade with Ferro, including operating vice president of the Polymer and Ceramic Engineered Materials Group, vice president of Organic Specialties, commercial director of Performance and Fine Chemicals, and director of sales for Polymer Additives. Before joining Ferro in 1999, he held senior leadership positions with Witco Corporation, including vice president of the Oleochemical-Derivatives business unit, vice president of sales, and global market director. Earlier in his career, he served in executive roles with Inland Leidy Chemical Distribution and GAF Corporation.

Mr. Thomas currently serves on the board of directors of Berry Global Group, Inc. He previously served on the board of directors of Innophos Holdings Inc. and has held leadership roles with several industry organizations supporting the chemical and materials industries.

Mr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Duquesne University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Loyola University Maryland. He brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in the specialty chemicals industry, including significant expertise in global operations, manufacturing, commercial strategy, business transformation, and public company governance. His extensive experience leading a global public company and serving on public company boards provides valuable strategic and operational insight to the Ashland Board.

Scott A. Tozier retired in February 2025 from the Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a specialty chemicals manufacturing company. Prior to his retirement, he most recently served as the Strategic Advisor to the CEO, a position he had held since November 2023. Prior to November 2023, Mr. Tozier served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from January 2011 until November 2023. At Albemarle, Mr. Tozier led a team of over 500 employees around the world responsible for all aspects of Albemarle’s financial management, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), sustainability, information technology, corporate procurement and logistics and shared services.

Since May 2024, Mr. Tozier has served on the Board of International Paper (NYSE: IP) and as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee and the Public Policy and Environment Committee. Mr. Tozier previously served on the Board of Garrett Motion Inc. (NASDAQ: GTX) and as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee and a member of the Executive Compensation Committee from October 2018 to April 2021.

Mr. Tozier holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Information Systems Analysis and Design from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Corporate Strategy and Finance from the University of Michigan. His relevant experience over a 30-year career, brings extensive management, accounting, audit, corporate finance, risk management and executive leadership to the Ashland Board.

Dr. Osama M. Musa is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). He leads Ashland’s Global Research and Development focusing on consumer and industrial markets including pharmaceutical, personal care, beverage, nutrition, agricultural, coatings, adhesives, and energy applications. Dr. Musa has overall responsibility for Ashland's global technology including Applied Research, Measurement Science, Biofunctionals, Acrylates & Microencapsulation, Preservatives & Microbial Technology, as well as the R&D Stage-Gate development process. In addition to these technical roles, he has the commercial and technical responsibility for Ashland’s Advanced Materials business.

Dr. Musa is a strategic senior executive with broad experience in the specialty chemicals business sector. He utilizes a wide-ranging network, cooperating with partners both in the industry and in academia. Dr. Musa joined Ashland in 2011 following the company’s acquisition of International Specialty Products (ISP) Incorporated. Previously, he held technical and leadership positions with the National Starch and Chemical Company.

As a passionate leader, Dr. Musa is committed to addressing customer needs through the application of innovative chemistry. From Ashland’s Open Innovation platform, he cultivates student scholarship through numerous collaborations with universities, providing encouragement and motivational mentoring to the next generation of young, promising scientists. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board at Manhattan College’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as well as a member of the Board of Trustees at Chemists' Club of NYC. In addition, he sits on the Advisory Board of the International Journal of Humanitarian Technology (IJHT).

Eileen Drury was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ashland, on November 18, 2021.

Eileen is a collaborative and authentic leader with 36 years of experience implementing human capital solutions to support and enable high performance. She is leading Ashland’s human resources strategy including cultural priorities, recruitment and retention, performance management, labor and employee relations, HR operations and administration, organizational development and training, and inclusion and diversity. Eileen also provides counsel to the executive committee and board of directors on people initiatives, practices, policies, and programs.

Eileen joined Ashland in 2011 through the acquisition of International Specialty Products (ISP). She holds a Master of Arts in Business Administration and Management and a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

William C. Whitaker is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ashland.

William C. Whitaker was named senior vice president and chief financial officer, Ashland, on July 18, 2025.

Whitaker joined Ashland in 2015 and has held several positions of increasing responsibility in corporate development, treasury, financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and investor relations.

Prior to Ashland, Whitaker held roles outside of the company within private equity and transaction advisory services. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Ohio State University and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Robin Lampkin is the senior vice president, general counsel and secretary, Ashland.

Robin joined Ashland in 1991 and has held various roles throughout her 32-year tenure including tort litigation and global environmental regulatory and remediation.

As Ashland’s chief compliance officer, she has deep corporate governance experience partnering with a variety of stakeholders on global regulatory compliance, training programs, policy administration and ethics investigations. She is a strategic advisor for global teams for product safety, sustainability and ESG environment, social and governance (ESG), and she has significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, complex litigation and regulatory affairs. Robin reports regularly to the audit committee of Ashland’s Board of Directors and ensures compliance with many of the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) controls.

Robin currently serves on the Board of Directors for The National Center of Urban Solutions Tec (NCUS Tec), a non-profit geared toward relieving the negative impacts of urban poverty by preparing individuals for an emerging digital society. She also serves on the Governmental Relations Executive Steering Committee for the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA).

Robin is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and returned to receive her Juris Doctor.

Alessandra Faccin Assis is the Senior Vice President and General Manager, Life Sciences and Intermediates, Ashland.

Alessandra is a dynamic and results-oriented business leader with a strong track record accelerating growth, driving execution discipline and emerging markets growth, and building high-performing teams. She has extensive multi-cultural experience and has lived and worked in the United States, Singapore and Brazil.

Prior to Ashland, Alessandra served as president, Asia Pacific at Sealed Air Corporation, where she previously served as vice president for their North America protective packaging business, corporate treasurer and led corporate financial planning and analysis. Her prior leadership experience includes positions at Dow Chemical and Rohm and Haas.

Alessandra earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Brazil, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Jim Minicucci is the Senior Vice President and General Manager, Personal Care, Ashland.

Jim is an accomplished global business leader with demonstrated success for delivering both top and bottom-line results. He has a proven track record of leading organizations including sales, marketing, operations and technology. His commercial and operational acumen extends beyond running businesses and incudes an extensive background in developing and implementing corporate and business unit strategies as well as mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He has significant international experience and lived in Asia for nearly a decade (Taiwan and South Korea).

Prior to Ashland, Jim served as the senior vice president, global specialty gases at MERCK KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Prior to that he led businesses at Versum Materials as well as corporate strategy and M&A at Air Products. Jim was a leader in the chemicals and industrial practice at Marakon Associates, (A Charles River Associates Co.). Early in his career, he worked with Rohm and Haas and The Gillette Company.

Jim is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.

Dago Caceres is senior vice president and general manager, Specialty Additives, Ashland, a position he has held since April 2024.

Prior to joining Ashland, Dago served as global strategy director, IFF Pharma Solutions, from February 2021 to April 2024. He served as global strategic marketing leader, DuPont from August 2019 to February 2021. He has also held a variety of leadership positions and has extensive experience working with chemical and science-driven companies, including Dow Chemical, FMC BioPolymer, and Rohm and Hass.

Dago holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Colombia and a Master of Business Administration in International Business and Marketing from the Moore Schools of Business at the University of South Carolina.

Board of Directors

Executive Officers