WILMINGTON, DE — Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) announced that Karl Bostaph, senior vice president of operations, will retire on October 1, 2025, marking the close of a 35-year career spanning roles in research, engineering, and global manufacturing leadership.
Bostaph began his tenure with Hercules in 1990, later joining Ashland following its acquisition of Hercules in 2008. Throughout his career, he held key positions across Research and Development, Quality, Engineering and Process Technology, and Manufacturing, working at multiple U.S. sites as well as in international assignments. Most recently, he led Ashland’s footprint optimization initiative, driving efficiency across the company’s global operations.
To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Wayne Muil, global director of operations for specialty additives, has been appointed senior vice president of operations, effective immediately. Bostaph will serve as special advisor until his retirement, collaborating closely with Muil to maintain operational continuity and support commercial teams.
Muil joined Ashland in 2024 and brings over 25 years of experience managing complex manufacturing and supply chain operations in the chemical industry. His previous roles include vice president of manufacturing and engineering at Sadara Chemical Company, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical. Recognized for his strategic vision and operational rigor, Muil has extensive expertise in environmental health and safety, process safety, ESG, Lean Six Sigma, and global capital project execution.
As senior vice president, Muil will oversee Ashland’s global production network and tolling partners, guiding operational excellence and innovation across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. He holds an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Natal.
“I want to thank Karl for his significant contributions and many years of service to Ashland, and congratulate Wayne on his new role,” said Guillermo Novo, chair and chief executive officer of Ashland. “I am confident that together, Karl and Wayne will ensure a smooth and seamless transition, to continue building an exciting future for Ashland.”
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