Matt Kent

Bio

Matt Kent drives business development across the themed entertainment and leisure destination industries, bringing experience that spans back to 2008. He consistently generates revenue and builds trusted relationships, earning a reputation for aligning diverse stakeholders around shared commercial and creative goals through a diplomatic, strategic approach.

Matt transforms experiential concepts into fully funded, executable projects by cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. He works hands-on with owners, operators, brands, and consultants to shape development strategies, assemble high-performing teams, and guide projects from early vision through commercialization.

His experience spans themed entertainment, aquatic leisure destinations, branded environments, activations and pop-ups, retail, hospitality, and cultural institutions. Throughout his career, Matt has acted as a key liaison to world-class intellectual property owners, operators, and advisory partners, bridging creative ambition with financial and operational reality.

Matt has dedicated more than a decade of service to the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), including tenure on both the International Board of Directors and the Eastern North American Board of Directors.

In December 2025, Matt was inducted into the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), joining a global network of senior advisors recognized for leadership and expertise in hospitality and destination development. ISHC represents more than 200 of the world’s most respected hospitality advisors across six continents, spanning over 50 specialty disciplines and a wide range of property types, from hotels and resorts to theme parks, attractions, and mixed-use destinations.

Matt also maintains active, longstanding membership in professional organizations including the World Waterpark Association (WWA) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Professional Highlights

• 15+ year veteran of themed entertainment and leisure destination development

• Strategic business development and growth executive

• Effective and persuasive revenue generator

• Trusted connector among IP owners, operators, consultants, and capital

• Focused on building durable partnerships and scalable growth platforms

Matt pursues projects that unite storytelling, strategy, and execution, and he builds relationships designed to last well beyond a single engagement.