(KAIR)--It's being called a long and distinguished career for a familiar name at Atchison's MGP Ingredients who heads into retirement.

According to a brief release issued Tuesday by the company, Steve Pickman's retirement becomes official Thursday.

Pickman has long served as public relations manager for MGP.

The release states that “although it will be difficult to replace Steve,” his successor has been hired, “and she will be starting on June 11.”

However, information about the new hire is not immediately made public, and will be released once she begins to serve in the role.

Pickman, in an email to MSC News, says he has been with MGP for 33-years, saying that, “overall, it has been an exceptionally wonderful experience.”

Calling the people great, and saying that MGP is like a second family, Pickman, in the email, says he has reached the point in his life “where it's time to start a new journey and begin some new adventures,” noting that he will continue to focus on writing.