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Matthew Dent was born in Columbus, Georgia and has spent a vast majority of his life in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from John Carroll Catholic High School, he attended the University of Alabama where he received an undergraduate degree in Marketing from the Culverhouse College of Commerce.
During his tenure at The University in Tuscaloosa, Matthew applied for a part-time job at the Buffalo Rock Company - Tuscaloosa Division due to an academic requirement for a semester long internship. That required, part-time, three month internship ended up lasting nearly 2 years where hands on experience in the field was garnered, including; warehouse operations, store level execution and sales, budgeting & planning, and internal support to the General Manager. Just prior to graduating, Matthew was offered a position at Buffalo Rock's Corporate Office in Birmingham working directly for his eventual mentor and close friend, Jim Reddinger, then Senior Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer.
During his first three years in the Corporate Office, Matthew held numerous positions, all of which were aimed at Strategic Planning and the coordination of improvement projects and operational alignment. In the year 2000, Matthew was named the Corporate General Manager of Planning & Strategy and held that position through 2003. In January of 2004, Matthew was named Executive General Manager of Corporate Development, Planning & Strategy and took leadership of the 12 operating Divisions within Buffalo Rock. In February of 2005, Matthew was named an officer of the company as Vice President - Corporate Development, Marketing & Strategy. In June, 2006, Matthew assumed broader responsibility, becoming directly involved in the executive management of two other officers; Warren Austin and Scott Parks. In December, 2006, Matthew was named Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer. In January 2008, Matthew was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and broadened his executive management duties with direct involvement of another officer, Jim Jernigan. Currently, the umbrella of responsibilities within his teams include: management of the 12 Divisions in Alabama, Georgia and Florida; Customer Development activities; Marketing Equipment & Service; Manufacturing, Logistics and Purchasing; Facilities; Public Relations; Media/Advertising; Marketing and Brand Management; Governmental Affairs and Event Marketing, Information Technology, Human Resources/Corporate Services, Fleet Management, Security and Safety, and Corporate Billing.
Matthew has served a number of organizations:
American Beverage Association - Board of Directors nominating committee member (September 2004); 2006 InterBev Advisory Committee member; 2008 Interbev Advisory Committee Chairman
Pepsi Cola Bottlers' Association - Board of Directors member, past ADMINCOM (Administrative Committee) committee member, past MARCOM (Marketing Committee) committee member
Alabama Beverage Association - Executive Committee and Board of Directors (current)
Dr Pepper Bottler Marketing Committee member - 2005 to current
Shoal Creek Golf Club - Board of Governors member (2004-2006)
Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity - Past Corporate Board President
University of Alabama National Alumni Association - Jefferson County Chapter's Executive Committee member (current)
Mattie C. Stewart Foundation - Board Member & Treasurer (current)
Jay D. Kynerd Foundation - Board Member (current)
Among other accomplishments, Matthew was named 2007 Top 40 under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal.
Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife Jen and their son, Thornton. They reside in Birmingham, are active members at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and enjoy traveling together, boating & water sports, playing golf, and being personally involved in their friends' and families' lives. | 