Ashland Names Jud Smith to Lead Composite Polymers Business Group
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12/6/2006
DUBLIN, Ohio - Judson W. (Jud) Smith has been named vice president, Ashland Performance Materials, and general manager, Composite Polymers, for Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). The announcement was made by Hank Waters, president, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Water Technologies.
"Jud has broad management experience, a strong background in the composites industry and excellent leadership skills," said Waters. "We are committed to continuing the impressive growth of our composites business, and Jud is uniquely qualified to lead this important part of our Performance Materials division."
Smith joined Ashland in 1987 as a district manager for the composites distribution business (known at that time as the FRP Supply Division). In 1992, he was promoted to manager of supplier relations, a position he held until 1994, when he joined Ashland's Planning & Development group as a business development specialist. From 1995 to 1997, Smith served in the chemicals line of business as a director of sales and business director. In 1997, he was named business director for the Latin American operations of Ashland's plastics business. Smith then served as the director of sales for the ingredients business from 1999 to 2000. He was appointed vice president and general manager of the composites business (FRP Supply Division) in 2000, and when Ashland Distribution implemented a regional organizational structure in 2002, Smith became vice president of the Southeast Region. He was named vice president of source management in August 2003.
A native of Massapequa, N.Y., Smith holds a bachelor's degree in education from the State University of New York and a master's degree in marketing from Hofstra University.
Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, is a leader in supplying products, processes and technologies to the global marketplace for composites and gel coats.
Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc., is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of specialty chemicals and customized services to the building and construction, packaging and converting, transportation, marine and metal casting industries. It is a technology leader in metal casting consumables and design services; unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins and gelcoats; and high-performance adhesives and specialty resins.
Ashland Inc., a diversified, global chemical company, provides quality products, services and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. A FORTUNE 500 company, it operates through four wholly owned divisions: Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Distribution, Valvoline and Ashland Water Technologies. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com
