Singh named to lead Ashland Performance Materials operations in India

DUBLIN, Ohio – Vivek Kumar Singh has been named general manager in India for Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), effective Feb. 1.  He will fill the position formerly held by Bharat Chhabria who was recently named director of new venture planning for Ashland Inc. Singh will report to Stefan Osterwind, commercial director, Ashland Performance Materials, EMEA and India, and will continue to be located in Ashland’s Navi Mumbai, India, office.

“Vivek brings a wealth of experience to the position and we are very pleased to have him lead our Performance Materials business operations in India,” said Osterwind.

Singh began his career with Ashland in 1995, joining the Valvoline/Cummins Ltd. joint venture. He later became a member of the core leadership team and has served in various roles of increasing responsibility. He has served as head of Ashland’s financial and administrative functions in India and is managing director, Ashland India Private Ltd.

“This is a very exciting time for business in India. There are many opportunities for growth, and I look forward to continuing the growth of Ashland in India and wish Bharat continued success in his new position,” said Singh.

Ashland has a long history in India by participating in two Indian joint ventures: Chembond Ashland Water Technologies Ltd., and Valvoline Cummins Ltd. The company also serves the Indian market through a network of wholly-owned entities, distributors and manufacturing partners.  In November 2009 Ashland opened its new office in Navi Mumbai where business teams are located to support all of Ashland’s commercial units operating in the country.

Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, and metal casting consumables and design services.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.