SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Hiland Dairy announced Gary Aggus will step down as president on April 1, after leading the company for two decades.

Hiland’s current vice president, Rick Beaman, will take on the role of president after Aggus leaves. Beaman first joined the company in 2012, after working as an executive for other national dairy companies.

“Rick is a successful industry veteran that knows our company's history and culture,” Aggus said. “I am confident he will do a great job leading Hiland Dairy.”

After stepping down, Aggus will still contribute to Hiland by consulting with leadership.

Per Hiland, Aggus helped the Missouri-based company substantially grow its sales and operating facilities. Hiland went from six plants in three states to 19 plants and 64 distribution centers in 10 states. Meanwhile, sales increased from $400 million to roughly $2 billion.

“I am very pleased the company has achieved the nice growth it has, and I attribute that to the great employees I have had the privilege to work with the past 20 years that I have served as president,” Aggus said.

During his time as president, Hiland acquired a number of dairy brands and purchased plants in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. The most recent acquisition was when Hiland took over Borden Dairy’s assets in Texas.

A part of the dairy industry throughout his career, Aggus got started at Foremost Dairy in Joplin, Mo., during his time as a college student at Missouri Southern State University. His time with Hiland began in 1984 as a district sales manager. He became president in 2003 and was promoted to chief operating officer and president of joint ventures in 2006.

Through the years, Aggus served on boards for the International Dairy Foods Association, MilkPEP, Quality Chekd Dairies, Inc., the Missouri Dairy Products Association and as a member of the Missouri Grocers Association. The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honor inducted him in 2009. The Missouri Grocers Association awarded him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.