Ashland Inc. yesterday announced a management reorganization including the appointment of Valvoline President James J. OBrien to head the parent companys chemical operations. OBrien, who has presided over the motor oil business since 1995, becomes group operating officer for operations that include Ashland Specialty Chemical and Ashland Distribution. He will remain president of Valvoline until a successor is named.

David J. DAntoni, the previous group operating officer for chemical operations, was named group operating officer for Valvoline and APAC, Ashlands highway construction business. He will also retain responsibility for corporate purchasing and SourceXplorer, an Ashland e-commerce business. Ashland said the changes were made to give executives broader experience.