MARK KENT
President/ CEO

Mark Kent, President and CEO of KENTWOOL [formerly Kent Manufacturing], is a 20-year veteran of the textile industry.  He began his career with KENTWOOL in 1986, and has served as chairman since 1993.  He has served on a number of boards and strategic committees in the textile industry, including the American Textile Export Company (Amtec), American Textile Manufacturers Institute, American Yarn Spinners Association,  J. E. Sirrine Textile Foundation and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance.

In addition to KENTWOOL, Kent is also President of Greenville-based Kent Holdings and Kent Properties, which is currently developing the $60 million Peacock Hotel in downtown Greenville in conjunction with business partner, Grant Peacock.

Beyond his executive leadership responsibilities, Kent has been extremely active in South Carolina manufacturing, business, economic development and philanthropic circles, and has served on numerous strategic boards; including the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control and the American Red Cross Upstate SC Chapter.

He has been the recipient of numerous honors, including the State of Carolina Philos Award, Southeastern Volunteer of the Year and National Board Nominee from the American Red Cross, and the Liberty Fellow Selection under the national program of the Henry Crown Fellowship of the Aspen Institute.

A native of Philadelphia, Kent is a 1985 graduate of Wake Forest University and a 1986 graduate of Clemson University’s School of Textiles.  In 1987, he also completed the International Program of the Australian Wool Corporation.  He is the father of two children.