On Thursday, the company announced Topalian will additionally take on the role of chairman, succeeding non-executive chairman John H. Walker. 

“I feel very privileged to take on this role at Nucor and thank the board for its confidence in me,” Topalian said in a statement. “I want to thank John for his numerous contributions to Nucor. It has been an honor to work with him in his role as non-executive chairman these past few years, and I have benefitted from his experience and perspective.”

Topalian took over as chief executive in January 2020, succeeding John Ferriola. Prior to that, he held several other leadership positions at Nucor, serving as president and chief operating officer in 2019; executive vice president from 2017 to 2019; and vice president from 2013 to 2017. He began his Nucor career in 1996. 

Also on Thursday, the company said board member Christopher J. Kearney has been appointed lead director. He has been a Nucor board member since 2008.

“I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow directors to serve as lead director of the board and welcome the opportunity to serve the board and all Nucor teammates in this new role,” Kearney said. “These changes reflect the thoughtful, planned transition of leadership at Nucor.”