A message to employees from Peter Rijneveldshoek, President Ashland Europe (release follows)
"Ashland considers India a strategic growth area and recognizes that it is one of the fastest growing markets in Asia and the world. Ashland’s business structure in India has operated for more than 10 years through joint ventures there between Valvoline and Drew Industrial businesses and other partners. With the appointment of Mike Swartzlander as managing director, India, we are making a strategic decision to grow our business in this fast-developing market. As we move forward we will be designing a new operating structure that will align our employees who do not work for the joint ventures with a new organization reporting to Mike. The specifics of that structure and reporting responsibilities will be rolled out after our legal entity is recognized in India. Until that time, there will be no changes in how our existing employee base in India reports or operates.
This is a very exciting time for Ashland as we grow our business in this very dynamic market. Please join me in welcoming Mike to his new role."
 Mike Swartzlander has been named vice president and managing director, India, for Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). Swartzlander previously served as vice president and general manager of Ashland’s Casting Solutions business. The announcement was made by Peter Rijneveldshoek, president, Ashland Europe. Ashland Europe includes Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.
“Mike’s leadership within Ashland’s Performance Materials Division coupled with his knowledge of emerging markets makes him the ideal candidate to lead Ashland’s business growth across our organization in India,” said Rijneveldshoek. Although Ashland’s business interests have been represented in India for a number of years, Swartzlander will be tasked with organizing, aligning and growing the businesses as one Ashland enterprise.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate our growth in a very exciting and growing economy,” said Swartzlander. “India is the second-fastest growing economy in the world, and I look forward to living, working and growing Ashland’s business there.” Swartzlander will be relocating to Mumbai to direct Ashland’s India business activities.
Swartzlander joined Ashland in 1989. Throughout his career with the company he has been promoted to roles of increasing responsibility and was named vice president and general manager of Ashland Casting Solutions in 2001. A native of Butler, Pa., Swartzlander holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware. He is a member of several industry-related trade and professional associations, currently serving as vice president of the American Foundry Society, a board member of the Ohio Cast Metals Association and past president of the Foundry Educational Foundation.
FORTUNE 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc.
Last modified on 03/12/2007 01:37:44 PM
© 2007, Ashland. |
