In a statement, Nucor said Stratman will step down 8 June, concluding a nearly 30-year career with the company. 

Nucor chairman and chief executive John Ferriola said Stratman has made outstanding contributions to Nucor throughout the course of his career. 

“From his leadership at the divisions, to his service as executive vice president of beam and plate products and raw materials, to his leadership of our business development and digital initiatives, Joe has been an invaluable member of the Nucor team,” Ferriola said. 

“I am especially grateful for his vital role in recent years with our digital and logistics projects, which are critical components of our drive to achieve commercial excellence.” 

Ray Napolitan, executive vice president of engineered bar products, will assume responsibility for Nucor's digital initiatives while continuing in his current responsibilities.  

Also, Nucor said it has promoted Nucor Steel-Arkansas vice president MaryEmily Slate to the executive suite. Slate will join senior management as executive vice president and will assume responsibilities for Nucor's tubular products group, logistics and certain joint ventures. 

She will take on her new duties on 19 May. 

Slate began her Nucor career in 2000 as district sales manager at Nucor Steel–Arkansas. She later served as sales manager at Nucor Steel–Decatur and then as cold mill manager. In 2010, she was named general manager of Nucor Steel Auburn Inc. and was elected vice president in 2012. She was promoted to vice president of Nucor Steel–Arkansas in 2015.