Brenham, Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries has announced that CEO and President Ricky Dickson will retire after serving 43 years with the company.
The board of directors is conducting a search for his successor. Dickson will continue in his current role until the new CEO and president begins.
“It has been an incredible honor to make and sell ice cream for people to celebrate the most important moments in their lives,” Dickson said.
“Blue Bell is a special place, and it has been a privilege to work with people who are dedicated to their jobs and love what they do. I look forward to working with my successor to ensure a seamless transition.”
During his seven years as president and CEO, Dickson helped lead the restructuring and expansion of Blue Bell’s food safety efforts, resulting in the company earning the BRCGS global food safety certifications at all three production facilities.
Dickson also oversaw renovation and expansion of the company’s production facilities, including the recent construction of a new truck shop and new milk receiving bay.
“Ricky’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining our commitment to food safety each day,” said Jim Kruse, board chairman.
“In a company where history, tradition and culture are vital to who we are, Ricky has done a masterful job of helping us evolve and grow while keeping us true to who we have always been.”
In addition to his service at Blue Bell, Dickson has also been active in his community. He served two terms on the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He has been a Rotary member since 1990 and past president of the Rotary Club in Washington County.
Dickson is past president of Faith Mission, a local ecumenical Christian-based nonprofit created to assist the homeless and working poor in the community. He is a member and past board chair of the Dairy Products Institute of Texas and the current board chairman of the International Dairy Food Association Ice Cream Board.
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