MAUMEE, OHIO, U.S. —The Andersons, Inc. announced on Jan. 8 that Harold M. (Hal) Reed chief operating officer (COO) will step down from his current position on Feb. 1 and oversee special company initiatives until his retirement in July. Additionally, Thomas L. Waggoner, corporate operations services senior vice-president, will retire Feb. 1.

"Hal and Tom both have had stellar careers with The Andersons and have exhibited dedicated service and strong leadership over the years," said Pat Bowe, The Andersons chief executive officer (CEO). "Both Hal and Tom have a variety of expertise, interests and talents, and we wish them all the best as they embark on this next phase of their lives. As a result of these changes, both senior leadership roles are being eliminated. We are continually working to keep our organization as lean as possible."

Reed has a 36-year tenure with the company. He held various positions within the agriculture group before serving as the president of the Grain & Ethanol Group from 2001-12, and becoming COO in January 2012. He is also a past chairman of the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA).

Waggoner began his career with The Andersons in 1986. He held various positions in the retail and processing groups before being named as the Turf & Specialty Group president in 2005 and becoming the senior vice-president of Corporate Operations Services in December 2014.