Matthew Dent
Buffalo Rock Company was founded in 1901 by the Lee Family and today is the largest privately held Pepsi bottler in the nation.
Dent began his career with Buffalo Rock serving as an intern during his junior year at the University of Alabama, where he subsequently received his degree in Marketing from the Culverhouse College of Commerce. That proposed 3-month internship developed into a 2-year part-time position where he garnered experience in warehouse operations, store level execution and sales, budgeting and planning and direct support to the Tuscaloosa General Manager. Prior to his graduation in 1997, Dent was hired full-time working directly with the Company’s Senior Leadership where he coordinated improvement projects and realigned operations, eventually being named Corporate General Manager of Marketing & Strategy. In 2005, as Vice President of Corporate Development, Marketing & Strategy, he assumed broader responsibilities, including the overall management of the 10 operating divisions and becoming directly involved with the executive management of his fellow officers. In 2008, Dent was named Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and then named President/Chief Operating Officer January 1, 2011.
Dent continues to be involved with a number of organizations locally and nationally, including the American Beverage Association board of directors, Pepsi Cola Bottlers’ Association board of directors Vice Chair, Alabama Beverage Association board of directors member, Shoal Creek Golf Club Board of Governors, United Way of Central Alabama board of directors, 2018 U.S. Women’s Open General Chairman, Young Presidents Organization and Fenwick Brands board of directors.
Dent was named a finalist in Birmingham’s 2012 Top CEO Awards, as well as 2007 Top 40 under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jen, and their two young children (Thornton 12, Chapel 9). They reside in Birmingham and are active members at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.