In a statement, the company said it has elected senior vice president and general manager Carol R. Jackson to take over for Stephen Delo, who will step down Friday, concluding a three-and-a-half-year tenure there. 

“I’ve been privileged to help evolve this company alongside our intensely committed employees across North America and globally. While I look forward to enjoying a long-awaited retirement, I’m extremely confident in the leadership of Carol Jackson as she assumes the role of chairman and CEO,” Delo said in a statement. 

During his time, HarbisonWalker reorganized itself, combining three of the top U.S. refractories companies into one, and rebranded as HarbisonWalker International.

Jackson joined HarbisonWalker in June 2014. Prior to that, she held positions with Carpenter Technology and PPG Industries. 

“Carol is natural leader and manufacturing industry veteran and has played a key role in helping to run the company for the past three years. Her outstanding performance at HWI, along with a proven track record of success and prior significant leadership roles, all reinforced the board’s unanimous agreement in this transition plan," Delo said. 

“HWI is in talented, capable hands,” said Delo.

Jackson said she is honored to have been named to the position. 

“Each day, our teams are working hard to produce and innovate, and they are an amazing group of people,” she said. “As we drive forward, HWI will continue to evolve for future growth by building on the strong foundation we’ve all been creating together.”

Her promotion is effective 1 July 2017.