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): September 19, 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








     Item 5. Other Events

     On September 19, 2002, Ashland Inc. ("Ashland") reported that James J.
O'Brien,  currently president and chief operating officer of Ashland,  will
become chief  executive  officer of Ashland  effective  October 1, 2002. As
previously  reported,  he will become  chairman  of the board of  directors
effective  November  15,  2002 when Paul W.  Chellgren,  current  chairman,
retires.  A copy of the press release is attached 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 September 19, 2002.








                                 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:  September 19, 2002              /s/ David L. Hausrath
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Name:     David L. Hausrath
                                           Title:    Vice President and
                                                     General Counsel






                               EXHIBIT INDEX

     99.1 Press release dated September 19, 2002.