Biography

Mr. Ford is co-founder of Westrock Coffee and has served as Chairman of Westrock since 2009. Mr. Ford also co-founded Westrock Group, where he has served as Chairman since 2013, and Westrock Asset Management, LLC, a global alternative investment firm, where he has served as Chairman until 2022. Previously, Mr. Ford served as President of Allied Telephone Company, a provider of wireless voice and data communications services, from 1977 to 1983, President and Chief Operating Officer of Alltel Corporation from 1983 to 1987, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alltel Corporation from 1987 to 1991, and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Alltel Corporation from 1991 to 2002. Mr. Ford holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas.