March 29, 2007 — Scott Hoertz is the new vice president and general manager of Ashland Casting Solutions, a business of Ashland Inc. that supplies products, services, and technologies to the metalcasting industry worldwide. Hoertz replaces Mike Swartzlander, who recently was named Ashland Inc.'s vice president and managing director for India.

Hoertz has been director of global marketing for Ashland Composite Polymers, and begins his new assignment immediately. “Scott’s proven leadership within Ashland’s Composite Polymers business and his previous automotive and international experience make him uniquely qualified to lead Ashland’s Casting Solutions business,” stated Hank Waters, president, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Water Technologies. “We are fortunate to have Scott’s marketing and management expertise as we continue to grow our casting business.”

Hoertz joined Ashland in 1980 as a technical service engineer. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, and he earned a master’s degree in business administration from Morehead State University. Calling the new responsibility "a very exciting opportunity," Hoertz added that "the legacy left by Mike Swartzlander was one of growth and excellence, and I look forward to building upon that tradition.”

Swartzlander is relocating to Mumbai to direct Ashland’s business activities in India. “This is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate our growth in a very exciting and growing economy,” he said. “India is the second-fastest growing economy in the world, and I look forward to living, working and growing Ashland’s business there.”