Transitioning Leadership: Nucor's Gregory J. Murphy Retires After 36 Years

Transitioning Leadership at Nucor Corporation

Nucor Corporation, a prominent player in the steel manufacturing industry, recently announced a significant leadership transition. Gregory J. Murphy, the company's Executive Vice President of Business Services and General Counsel, will retire effective June 7, 2025, after an illustrious 36-year career.

Having joined Nucor in 2015, Mr. Murphy played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s legal, environmental, and public affairs frameworks. His tenure has been characterized by a commitment to serving his team and nurturing a culture of mentorship and integrity. Prior to his time at Nucor, he was a partner at Moore & Van Allen PLLC in Charlotte, where he took the lead on the Litigation Practice Group and contributed on the firm's Executive Committee for a decade.

In a move to ensure continuity within the company’s leadership, Benjamin M. Pickett has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President of Business Services, while Douglas R. Wilner ascends to the role of President of Corporate Legal Affairs and General Counsel. The excited anticipation of Mr. Murphy continuing to advise Leon Topalian, Nucor's Chair, President, and CEO, till his official retirement signifies a move towards a harmonious transition. Mr. Murphy will remain in an advisory capacity starting March 9, before officially stepping down in June.

Mr. Pickett, who joined Nucor in 2018, has traversed a notable path within the organization, initially serving as Director of Corporate Legal Affairs, before growing into the role of Vice President in 2023. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to his contributions to Nucor, he too had experience as a Partner at Moore & Van Allen, demonstrating a solid foundation for his new leadership responsibilities. Mr. Wilner brings a wealth of experience from his tenure since 2016 in various legal roles and previously served as an Assistant General Counsel at Monsanto Company. His educational background includes degrees from Stanford University and the University of Michigan Law School, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise needed to lead Nucor’s legal affairs.

Leon Topalian praised Mr. Murphy's effective leadership, reflecting on the transformation of Nucor's legal and environmental teams under his guidance. Emphasizing the culture of servant leadership cultivated by Mr. Murphy, Topalian expressed gratitude for the impactful contribution he has made to the company.

As Nucor continues to grow with these leadership changes, the company remains committed to its core principles of sustainability, product innovation, and community engagement. Nucor stands as a leader in steel production, operating across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is known as North America's largest recycler. As the company transitions into a new phase of leadership, stakeholders can expect to see continued advancement in its mission and strategies under the guidance of Mr. Pickett and Mr. Wilner.

The leadership change symbolizes Nucor's ongoing dedication to excellence in the steel industry while ensuring that the legacy and values established by Mr. Murphy will continue to influence the direction of the company moving forward. With a robust team of leaders ready to take the helm, Nucor is well-positioned to tackle future challenges and seize new opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of the manufacturing sector.