North America’s largest steel producer is revamping its human resources leadership with the creation of a new executive position and the addition of an experienced HR professional from outside the company.
Nucor Corporation announced Thursday that Thomas J. Batterbee has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Talent, while Elizabeth Bledsoe will join the company as President of Human Resources and Talent. Both appointments become effective May 11.
The Charlotte-based steel manufacturer said the dual leadership structure will focus on enterprise talent development and human resources strategy across its operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Tom is an exceptional leader whose passion for our teammates and more than 35 years of experience with Nucor have positioned him well to take on this new responsibility,” said Leon Topalian, Nucor’s Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Batterbee, a Nucor veteran who began his career with the company in 1989, was most recently President of the Vulcraft/Verco Group. He previously served as a Vice President and held several general manager positions across multiple divisions.
Outside perspective joins internal expertise
Bledsoe brings external HR leadership experience to complement Batterbee’s long tenure with the company. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Officer at MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., a distributor of metalworking and maintenance products.
Before joining MSC in 2015, Bledsoe spent nearly two decades at Ingersoll-Rand plc, where she held increasingly responsible human resources positions from 1996 to 2015.
“Beth brings a wealth of experience in human resources and talent development and will be a great addition to our leadership team,” Topalian said. “Tom and Beth’s combined expertise will help us build on our strong culture and will be invaluable in continuing to advance our ongoing initiatives for the growth, retention and development of all Nucor teammates.”
The restructuring of Nucor’s HR leadership comes as many manufacturing companies face challenges in workforce recruitment, development and retention amid changing labor market dynamics.
Nucor, which describes itself as North America’s largest recycler, manufactures various steel products including bars, beams, sheet and plate steel, as well as fabricated concrete reinforcing steel and steel building systems.
