Nucor’s CEO, Daniel R DiMicco will step down from the post at the end of the year after more than 12 years in the post.

During this time he has led Nucor Corporation through one of its most explosive and profitable growth periods and an industry-leading total shareholder return of 463.9%.

John J Ferriola, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over as CEO effective January 1, 2013.

DiMicco, 62, has served as Nucor's CEO longer than anyone since the founder the late Ken Iverson. DiMicco took over as Nucor's leader in September 2000, near the start of an economic slump that radically restructured the steel industry in the United States and abroad. DiMicco will remain with Nucor as Executive Chairman.