Leon J. Topalian is the CEO of Nucor Corporation, known for his deep understanding of the steel industry. He took over as CEO in January 2020 after a successful career at Nucor that began in 1996. His background includes roles...

Leon J. Topalian is the CEO of Nucor Corporation, known for his deep understanding of the steel industry. He took over as CEO in January 2020 after a successful career at Nucor that began in 1996. His background includes roles as President and Chief Operating Officer and various positions that span operations to project engineering. Under his leadership, Nucor emphasizes performance-based pay, with a compensation package that encourages results. In the fiscal year 2023, he earned approximately $3.49 million, primarily from his salary and other incentives linked to company performance metrics. Interestingly, Topalian recently turned 55, which means he fully vested in significant retirement benefits. His tenure has seen substantial financial growth at Nucor, signaling his effective leadership in a competitive market. Additionally, he has made notable insider trades, with his holdings recently reaching values over $60 million. This indicates strong confidence in Nucor’s future. Topalian also actively participates in industry organizations, serving as chair of the American Iron and Steel Institute, which highlights his influence and connections in the steel sector.