Hiland Dairy's longtime president to exit role

Provided by Hiland Dairy Foods Co. LLC

Gary Aggus has led the Springfield company for 20 years.

Gary Aggus, who has led Springfield-based Hiland Dairy Foods Co. LLC as president for 20 years, is stepping down from his role.

He plans to exit the position on April 1, according to a news release.

During his tenure, Hiland Dairy's sales have increased to $2 billion from $400 million; its footprint has grown to 19 plants and 64 distribution centers in 10 states from six plants in three states; and its workforce has risen to nearly 4,000 employees from around 800.

“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 in the release.

Aggus plans to continue consulting with Hiland Dairy while taking on a reduced work schedule as he spends more time with family and on hobbies.

Hiland Dairy has named Rick Beaman as president to succeed Aggus, according to the release. A company employee since 2012, Beaman was promoted to vice president of Hiland Dairy and joint ventures in 2014.

“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 in the release.