Last updated on April 11th, 2023
Hiland Dairy has appointed Rick Beaman as its new president and named Shawn Pinon as SVP, effective April 1.
With leadership experience at several top private and public dairy companies, Beaman joined Hiland Dairy in 2012 and was VP before being named president. He began his career with Borden Dairy in 1975. Beaman then joined Southern Foods as EVP before accepting the position of COO of the western region of Dean Foods. Before joining Hiland, he was president of LaLa USA in Dallas, Texas.
Pinon was promoted to SVP and will succeed Beaman. He began his dairy career with Beatrice/Meadow Gold Dairy in 1980 in Greeley, Colorado. After positions in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Utah, Pinon was promoted to regional VP of Dean Foods before becoming group VP in 2004. He joined Hiland Dairy in 2017 as general manager of the Nebraska operation. Pinon has led notable projects for Prairie Farms and Hiland, currently leading the integration of the recently acquired Borden Dairies in Texas into the Hiland organization.
“I am proud of Hiland’s heritage and successes,” Beaman said. “Shawn and I are committed to continuing that legacy by investing in our products, plants and people. We are passionate about delivering high-quality, nutritious dairy products that our consumers love.”
The Shelby Report first reported on the story in February, announcing that Gary Aggus would step down as the company’s president on April 1.
Aggus’ leadership has been instrumental in the company’s growth. Hiland has grown from six plants in three states to 19 plants and 64 distribution centers in 10 states. When Aggus became president, Hiland had a staff of fewer than 800 people. Today, Hiland has around 4,000 employees.
During Aggus’ tenure, Hiland began acquiring other dairy brands and purchasing plants in Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1985. Throughout the years, growth and expansion into Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas followed. Most recently, the company acquired Borden Dairy’s assets in Texas. This move expanded its footprint and supported economic growth and development for the company and its communities.
While stepping down as president, Aggus will continue to consult with the company.
“Rick is a successful industry veteran that knows our company’s history and culture. I am confident he will do a great job leading Hiland Dairy,” Aggus said.
Hiland Dairy, founded in 1938 and based in Springfield, Missouri, is a processor and distributor of dairy foods and other beverages.
