“Steve's new role as president and COO will give him an opportunity to have an even greater impact, and I look forward to working with him in this next chapter of his leadership,” said Leon Topalian, Nucor’s chair and chief executive officer. 

Laxton started at Nucor in 2003 as general manager of business development and was promoted to vice president in 2014. He has served as Nucor’s chief financial officer and executive vice president since 2022. Until the company appoints a new chief financial officer, Laxton will continue to serve in the role. 

“Dave’s retirement and Steve's promotion reflect our ongoing succession planning process that has been a strategic priority throughout Nucor for many years,” Topalian continued. 

Effective 1 January 2026, Sumoski will transition from his current role of chief operating officer and continue as an executive vice president and advisor to Topalian. He will work with Laxton to ensure a seamless transition, the company said. He will retire effective 13 June 2026 after over 30 years with the company. 

Sumoski began as an electrical supervisor at Nucor Steel–Berkeley in 1995, later serving as maintenance manager. He served as vice president and general manager of Nucor Steel Marion, Inc. and Nucor Steel Memphis, Inc. before becoming executive vice president in 2014. He has served as chief operating officer since 2021. 

“Dave has had an indelible impact on Nucor, and we are deeply appreciative of his leadership over the past 30 years. His tenure has been defined by his deep operational knowledge, strategic thinking and passion for steelmaking. He has played a pivotal role in driving our safety culture and operational excellence across the enterprise,” said Topalian.