SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): August 13, 2002 ASHLAND INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Kentucky (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 1-2918 61-0122250 (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) P.O. Box 391, Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391 (Mailing Address) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (859) 815-3333 -1- Item 5. Other Events --------------------- On August 13, 2002, Ashland Inc. reported that James J. O'Brien, currently senior vice president and group operating officer at Ashland, has been named president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. O'Brien will immediately become a member of Ashland's board of directors. He will become chairman and chief executive officer of Ashland effective November 15, 2002 when Paul W. Chellgren, current chairman and chief executive officer, retires. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits ------------------------------------------- (c) Exhibits 99.1 Press Release dated August 13, 2002. -2- SIGNATURES ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ASHLAND INC. ----------------------------- (Registrant) Date: August 13, 2002 /s/ David L. Hausrath ----------------------------- Name: David L. Hausrath Title: Vice President and General Counsel -3- EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- 99.1 Press Release dated August 13, 2002 -4-