Nucor Executive Vice President Gregory J. Murphy to Retire; Benjamin M. Pickett and Douglas R. Wilner Promoted in Leadership Transition
Nucor Corporation, a leading American steel manufacturer, announced that Gregory J. Murphy, the Executive Vice President of Business Services and General Counsel, will retire on June 7, 2025, after an esteemed 36-year career in the industry. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Nucor's leadership, with a strategic transition plan already in place to ensure continuity.
A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation
Gregory J. Murphy’s tenure at Nucor has been transformative. He joined the company in 2015 as Vice President and General Counsel and quickly made a significant impact. In 2020, Murphy took on additional responsibilities overseeing environmental and public affairs, and in 2021, he was elevated to Executive Vice President. Throughout his career at Nucor, he played a key role in reshaping the legal, environmental, and public affairs departments, ensuring the company’s reputation and operations aligned with industry standards.
Before joining Nucor, Murphy was a partner at Moore & Van Allen PLLC in Charlotte, where he led the Litigation Practice Group and served on the firm’s Executive Committee for a decade. His leadership style, defined by empathy, integrity, and a strong focus on mentoring, earned him deep respect within the Nucor team. Nucor’s Chair, President, and CEO, Leon Topalian, expressed gratitude for Murphy's leadership, acknowledging the profound impact Murphy had on the company’s operations and culture.
The Transition: Benjamin M. Pickett and Douglas R. Wilner Take the Helm
As Gregory J. Murphy prepares for his retirement, two key executives are stepping into expanded roles. Benjamin M. Pickett will be promoted to Executive Vice President of Business Services, while Douglas R. Wilner will take on the role of President of Corporate Legal Affairs and General Counsel.
• Benjamin M. Pickett joined Nucor in 2018 as Director of Corporate Legal Affairs. Over the years, he progressed through several leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President. Pickett’s expertise in corporate legal affairs and public relations makes him well-suited for the role of Executive Vice President. Prior to joining Nucor, he worked as a Partner at Moore & Van Allen PLLC. Pickett holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• Douglas R. Wilner has been with Nucor since 2016, initially serving as General Manager of Corporate Legal Affairs. He was elected Vice President in 2023. Wilner’s extensive legal background includes working as an Assistant General Counsel at Monsanto and in private practice with law firms in St. Louis and Charlotte. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Both Pickett and Wilner have proven themselves as accomplished leaders, well-prepared to step into their new roles, according to Leon Topalian, who praised their readiness and experience. This leadership transition is expected to ensure Nucor continues its momentum in the steel industry with seamless operations and strategic growth.
Looking Ahead: A Smooth Leadership Transition
Murphy’s retirement, though a significant shift, is part of Nucor’s long-term strategy to foster leadership development and ensure continued success. Over the next few months, Murphy will work closely with Pickett and Wilner to ensure a smooth transition. He will remain as an advisor to CEO Leon Topalian and continue to lend his expertise to the company’s leadership team.
This succession planning underscores Nucor’s commitment to stability, as the company prepares for the future while honoring the legacy of one of its most respected executives.
Key Takeaways:
• Gregory J. Murphy, Executive Vice President of Business Services and General Counsel, will retire on June 7, 2025, after a distinguished 36-year career.
• Benjamin M. Pickett is promoted to Executive Vice President of Business Services, having joined Nucor in 2018 and progressed through leadership roles.
• Douglas R. Wilner is promoted to President of Corporate Legal Affairs and General Counsel, with an extensive legal background at Nucor and Monsanto.
• Murphy is recognized for his transformational leadership, particularly in legal, environmental, and public affairs sectors.
• Nucor’s leadership transition is designed to ensure continuity, with Murphy remaining as an advisor to CEO Leon Topalian during the transition period.
• The succession plan reflects Nucor’s commitment to developing and promoting talent from within, ensuring the company's long-term growth and stability.
This leadership shift marks a new era for Nucor, positioning the company for continued success in the highly competitive steel industry.
