Nucor announces retirement, promotions

Nucor Corp., Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced today that Gregory J. Murphy, its executive vice president of business services and general counsel, will retire effective this June 7, following what Nucor calls a 36-year career.

The recycled-content steelmaker says Murphy will transition out of his current responsibilities next month, when Benjamin M. Pickett will be promoted to executive vice president of business services and Douglas R. Wilner will be promoted to president of corporate legal affairs and general counsel.

“Over the next several months, Mr. Murphy will continue in his executive vice president capacity as an advisor to Leon Topalian, Nucor's chair, president and CEO, and will work with Messrs. Pickett and Wilner to ensure a seamless transition,” the metals producer says.

Murphy began his Nucor career in 2015, having been hired as vice president and general counsel. Prior to joining Nucor, Murphy was a partner with Charlotte-based legal firm Moore & Van Allen.

Topalian says, “On behalf of the entire Nucor team, I want to thank Greg for his extraordinary leadership and thoughtful counsel. During his tenure at Nucor, Greg transformed our legal, environmental and public affairs teams. He is the epitome of a servant leader who prioritizes the needs of the team, tirelessly mentors and develops others and tackles challenges with empathy and integrity. I am grateful for his invaluable contributions and wish Greg, his wife Marcy and their family a long and happy retirement.”

According to Nucor, which also owns the David J. Joseph network of metals recycling facilities, Pickett began his career with Nucor in 2018 as director of corporate legal affairs. Prior to joining Nucor, he also was a partner with Moore & Van Allen.

Wilner joined Nucor in 2016 as general manager of corporate legal affairs. Before joining Nucor, he was an assistant general counsel at Monsanto Co. and in private practice with law firms in St. Louis and Charlotte.

“Ben and Doug are accomplished leaders and uniquely suited for these positions,” Topalian says. “I look forward to continuing to work with them in these expanded roles.”

Nucor, which describes itself as America’s largest recycler, manufactures steel and steel products and processes and trades recyclable metals.