Nucor Remembers Dave Aycock, Former CEO and Chairman

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Nucor Corporation announces the passing of Dave Aycock, former CEO and Chairman, at age 94. Aycock, alongside Ken Iverson and Sam Siegel, played a pivotal role in transforming Nucor into a leading global steelmaker. Starting as a welder in 1954, he rose to President and COO in 1984, retired in 1991, and later returned as Chairman in 1998, serving as President and CEO during 1999-2000. His leadership team revolutionized American steelmaking by implementing a recycling-based production process, beginning with the first steel minimill in Darlington, South Carolina in 1969. This innovative approach now accounts for over 70% of U.S. steel production, establishing America as one of the cleanest steel-producing nations globally.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) family mourns the loss of former CEO and Chairman Dave Aycock, who passed away on Saturday, June 7, at the age of 94.  Aycock, along with Ken Iverson and Sam Siegel, led Nucor's transformation into one of the world's leading steelmakers.

"Dave Aycock was part of the foundation of leaders that built Nucor into one of the most successful steel companies in the world. Dave was the perfect embodiment of our Nucor culture, as his career showed that there are no limits on what a teammate can accomplish at Nucor," said Leon Topalian, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President of Nucor.

Aycock rose within the company from his start as a welder in 1954 to President and Chief Operating Officer in 1984. He retired in 1991 and continued to serve on Nucor's board of directors. Aycock returned to the executive management team in 1998 to serve as Chairman, and, in 1999 and 2000, during an important transition period for the company, he assumed the responsibilities of President and CEO. During that time, he implemented several key initiatives, including a process for selecting the next CEO. He retired from the board in 2001.   

As a team Iverson, Siegel, and Aycock revolutionized American steelmaking by building the company on a recycling-based production process, as opposed to utilizing blast furnaces which was the dominant production process at the time. In 1969, Nucor began operating its first steel minimill in Darlington, South Carolina. The recycling-based process started in Darlington now accounts for more than 70 percent of the steel production in the United States, making America one of the cleanest places in the world to make steel.

"Our hearts go out to Dave's wife, Daphne, and their entire family. Dave was a blessing to our company and his positive impact on the growth of Nucor is a tremendous legacy," said Topalian.

About Nucor
Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel and steel products, with operating facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel — in bars, beams, sheet and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel racking; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; precision castings; steel fasteners; metal building systems; insulated metal panels; overhead doors; steel grating; wire and wire mesh; and utility structures. Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and hot briquetted iron / direct reduced iron; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler.

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SOURCE Nucor Corporation

FAQ

Who was Dave Aycock and what was his role at Nucor (NUE)?

Dave Aycock was a former CEO and Chairman of Nucor who started as a welder in 1954 and rose to leadership positions, serving as President and COO in 1984, and later as Chairman, President and CEO during 1999-2000.

What major innovation did Dave Aycock help implement at Nucor (NUE)?

Aycock, along with Ken Iverson and Sam Siegel, revolutionized American steelmaking by implementing a recycling-based production process, starting with the first steel minimill in Darlington, South Carolina in 1969.

How did Dave Aycock's leadership impact the U.S. steel industry?

His leadership helped establish a recycling-based steel production process that now accounts for over 70% of U.S. steel production, making America one of the cleanest places globally for steel manufacturing.

What positions did Dave Aycock hold during his career at Nucor (NUE)?

Aycock started as a welder in 1954, became President and COO in 1984, retired in 1991, returned as Chairman in 1998, and served as President and CEO during 1999-2000 before retiring from the board in 2001.