Pepsi and Dr Pepper distributor Buffalo Rock has named Matthew Dent as its new CEO.

Dent is the first man not part of the Lee family to be named CEO of the Alabama company in its 120-year history.

The Birmingham-based company’s production facility holds eight production lines – three cans, four PET and one bag-in-a-box.

Buffalo Rock can produce up 60 million cases annually, while its three can lines fill at a rate of 1,200 cans per minute.

The company has the territorial rights to Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and numerous other products in various markets.

Previous CEO Jimmy Lee III will continue to serve daily as executive chairman of Buffalo Rock.

“Today’s a very exciting day for the Buffalo Rock family and for the future of our company,” stated Lee, a fourth generation member of the company. 

“This year we are celebrating the 120-year anniversary of when my family started our company right here in Birmingham and we have come a long way since that time thanks to our employee-partners. 

“Matthew has shown the necessary skills to lead the company into the future and I have complete confidence in his leadership. He knows and practices the culture that defines and makes our company a great success.”

Matthew Dent said: “For well over half my life I have worked at Buffalo Rock. The people I work with here are family, and I could not be prouder to lead such a talented, driven and committed group.

“I am honoured to be named CEO and I am committed to continue leading with passion and integrity, working every day toward creating circular success for both the company and the individual employee-partners.”

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