LEXINGTON, Ky. — Valvoline Global Operations announced on August 24 that it will relocate its global headquarters from Lexington to downtown Cincinnati, but the company emphasized that Lexington will remain a significant hub for its North American operations.

The automotive lubricants company, owned by Saudi Aramco, will establish its new global headquarters at 312 Elm Street in downtown Cincinnati in spring 2027. The renovated 50,000-square-foot facility will accommodate up to 120 employees, housing executive leadership and global functions.

However, the relocation does not signal an exit from Kentucky. Valvoline Global's current Lexington operation at 100 Valvoline Way will be transformed into the company's central hub for the Americas, with more than 400 employees continuing to work there supporting operations throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

"Today marks an important moment for our company," said Jamal Muashsher, president and CEO of Valvoline Global Operations. "Expanding our presence in Cincinnati and creating our Americas Hub in Lexington provides the space for our teams to better collaborate, innovate and operate more effectively."

The announcement prompted clarifications from both Valvoline companies. Valvoline Global Operations and Valvoline Inc., a publicly traded quick-lube retail company, are separate businesses with different ownership, leadership and operations. Valvoline Inc. will remain headquartered in Lexington at 100 Valvoline Way, where it continues its preventive automotive maintenance services.

"Valvoline Inc. is proud to call Kentucky home," said Lori Flees, president and CEO of Valvoline Inc. "Our headquarters, our people and our commitment to this community remain firmly rooted in Lexington."

The move follows Valvoline Global's strong growth. The company has expanded its employee base by nearly 20 percent over the past three years and has a presence in more than 140 countries. Saudi Aramco acquired Valvoline's global products business for $2.65 billion in March 2023, separating it from the retail services company.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval called the announcement "a huge win" for downtown Cincinnati. The Cincinnati location places executive operations minutes from Valvoline Global's largest production facility in the region.