Dairy Processor News

Hiland Dairy names new president

Rick Beaman takes over for Gary Aggus, who led the dairy processor for the past two decades.

Hiland Dairy appointed Rick Beaman as the new president. He takes over for Gary Aggus, who led Hiland for the past two decades.

Beaman joined Hiland Dairy in 2012 and was vice president before being named president. Upon graduation from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., he began his career with Borden Dairy in 1975. Beaman then joined Southern Foods as executive vice president before accepting the position of chief operating officer of the western region of Dean Foods. Before joining Hiland, he was president of LaLa USA in Dallas.

Beaman serves on the MilkPEP board and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He had previous board positions with IDFA, Milk Industry Foundation, McDonald's Dairy Council, American Red Cross, and various retail food organizations.

"Rick is a natural leader with proven ability to develop, teach and motivate teams to accomplish company goals," said Matt McClelland, CEO of Prairie Farms Dairy. "We look forward to continued success for Hiland Dairy with Rick at the helm."

Shawn Pinon was promoted to senior vice president and will succeed Rick Beaman. Pinon 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 vice president of Dean Foods before becoming group vice president 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. 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," said Beaman.