GrafTech International Ltd. announced that Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Craig Shular, age 61, has decided to retire as President and CEO of the company after 11 years, and 15 years with the company. Mr. Shular will continue as GrafTech's Executive Chairman of the Board until December 31, 2014 as part of a seamless transition. The Board of Directors has appointed Joel Hawthorne, age 49, GrafTech's current President of Engineered Solutions, as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately and elected him to GrafTech's Board of Directors.