First Defiance Financial Corp. announced that William J. Small, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, announced to management his intention to retire from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company to be effective as of December 31, 2013. Mr. Small intends to continue serving in his role as Chairman of the Board of both the company and First Defiance's wholly-owned subsidiary, First Federal Bank of the Midwest.

The Board approved the appointment of Donald P. Hileman, 60 years old, to the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer of First Defiance, to be effective as of January 1, 2014. Mr. Hileman has served as Chief Financial Officer of First Defiance and First Federal since March 16, 2009, after serving as Interim Financial Officer since October 20, 2008. Mr. Hileman was also appointed as Executive Vice President of First Defiance in November 2008 and Chief Executive Officer of First Defiance's wholly-owned subsidiary, First Insurance Group of the Midwest Inc. in July 2007, and continues to serve in those capacities.

Prior to joining First Defiance, Mr. Hileman was Corporate Controller of Sky Financial Group Inc. for 12 years. The Board appointed Mr. Hileman to fill the vacancy on the Board created by the retirement of Dwain Metzger in April 2012. Mr. Hileman's term will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2015.

Mr. Hileman has been appointed to serve on the Risk Committee of the Board of First Defiance. Mr. Hileman's appointment to the Board and its Risk Committee is effective immediately. Mr. Hileman currently receives compensation for his service as an executive officer and will not receive any additional compensation for this service on the Board.

Mr. Hileman has in-depth knowledge and experience with the operations of First Defiance and its subsidiaries. His detailed insights will help to inform the independent directors and allow them to make better decisions.