John J. Ferriola served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation from 2013 until his retirement in December 2019. Joining Nucor in 1991, he worked his way up through the ranks, becoming a key part of the...

John J. Ferriola served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation from 2013 until his retirement in December 2019. Joining Nucor in 1991, he worked his way up through the ranks, becoming a key part of the company's leadership team. Ferriola's role at Nucor was crucial during a time when the steel industry faced many challenges. His commitment to aligning executive compensation with company performance helped Nucor thrive, demonstrating a model where leadership directly impacts overall company success. In 2019, his total compensation was around $14.6 million, though it varied significantly during his tenure, reflecting the company's performance metrics, particularly return on equity. Interestingly, after announcing his retirement, he signed a Retirement Agreement that guaranteed him monthly payments for two years, underlining the company's commitment to its executives long after they leave. Ferriola's transition marked a significant change for Nucor, as he handed over the reins to Leon J. Topalian, who was groomed for the role during his years of experience within the company. Outside of his work at Nucor, Ferriola's movements in insider trading reflected changes in his financial strategies and the company’s stock performance, peaking significantly in 2021 before stabilizing again. His journey outlines the importance of adaptability in leadership and strategy in business.