Blue Bell Creameries CEO & President Ricky Dickson retiring

BRENHAM, TX, September 20, 2023 – Blue Bell Creameries announced today that CEO & President Ricky Dickson will retire after serving 43 years with the company.

“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 CEO & President, Dickson helped lead the restructuring and expansion of the company’s food safety efforts, resulting in Blue Bell earning the prestigious BRCGS global food safety certifications at all three production facilities. Dickson also oversaw the renovation and expansion of the company’s production facilities, including the recent construction of a new Truck Shop and Milk Receiving Bay.

“Ricky’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining our commitment to food safety each day,” Board Chairman Jim Kruse said. “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 non-profit organization 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 Chairman of the Board of the International Dairy Food Association Ice Cream Board.

The Blue Bell Board of Directors is searching for the company’s next CEO & President. Dickson will continue in his role until the new CEO & President begins.