ROCCO TO RETIRE IN 2005
21 September 2004 - Ashland Inc

'I want to congratulate Jim on his retirement after more than 40 years of service to Ashland,' says Sam Mitchell, Valvoline Division president. 'He's worked very hard through the years, and is truly one of the company's greatest assets. Jim is a great ambassador for Valvoline, our products, our brands and our racing program,' Mitchell says. 'That's why I'm pleased that he agreed to run the racing program after his retirement date.'

Rocco first joined Ashland in 1963, as a clerk for Ashland Petroleum Company's Catlettsburg Refinery. He joined Valvoline as assistant plant manager for the division's Freedom Packaging Plant in 1967 and later became plant manager of the TECTYL facility at Freedom. He became operations manager at the Santa Fe Springs plant in 1972 and two years later was promoted to director of North American operations for Valvoline.

Rocco was promoted to group executive assistant in 1979, vice president of international operations in 1982, and vice president of the specialty coatings and lubricants group in 1984. He was later promoted to president of Mac's Chemicals, a Valvoline subsidiary. In 1991, Rocco was promoted to vice president and general manager of Valvoline branded, and to senior vice president and general manager in October 1993, responsible for the marketing, sales and manufacturing of all Valvoline brand motor oils and lubricants in the United States.

Rocco retires as senior vice president, operations. In this position, his duties include worldwide oversight of production, distribution, and purchasing. Domestically, Rocco oversees the Zerex Antifreeze product line, Valvoline customer service, credit, and the Responsible Care initiative, in addition to managing the racing team and the company's sports marketing department.

'I know I am joined by all of his friends in the company in wishing Jim and his family all the best in his retirement,' Mitchell says.

Rocco will continue to maintain his office at Valvoline's world headquarters in Lexington until his retirement date.

'I have been fortunate to work with many great employees, customers and suppliers who have helped me to be able to adapt to a changing workplace environment in the 30-plus years I have spent in the home office at a senior level.,' Rocco said.

'This is a great company with a great past and even greater future. I am very proud and humble to have played a small part in this effort. I am looking forward to my future involvement in a new, limited role, and to spending time with my family and friends.

'I want to thank everyone and wish them the best for the future.'

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