Business Background

Until recently, Martin was Head of International Banking Systems (IBS) at The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). IBS is a business that provides a full range of financial solutions and expertise to customers in all segments. It is now a major force in the provision of international payments, cash management and trade-related financial services and recognises how important international trade is to its customers.

Appointed as Head of IBS in January 2006, Martin has worked for NatWest and RBS for the majority of his career and started the Graduate Management Trainee programme 20 years ago in Leeds.

He has also held positions in Business Development, Corporate Finance, Change Management and General Management in the mid-market sector in many parts of the UK most recently as Managing Director, Commercial Banking for London and the South-East of England.

Originally a graduate from Manchester University he then completed his professional banking qualifications (ACIB) before undertaking a MBA from the University of Bradford Management Centre where he now holds a Visiting Fellowship. He is also a member of the Court of the University of Leeds.

Sporting and Other Activities

Martin has long been involved with Junior Chamber International and was awarded Best President in the World in 1993 and helped to rescue the National organisation and create a more sustainable model in 2002.

Martin has always been a lover and player of team sports including soccer, rugby and outdoor pursuits. He represented his college at University in 7 sports (a record at the time) and played rugby for Horden RUFC and then Old Modernians winning the Yorkshire Trophy. He has completed several of the RFU coaching courses and the CRB/Child Protection checks and currently coaches rugby union Under 12's at Old Leodiensians RUFC.

He is married with twin boys and he enjoys walking and skiing with them. In August 2008 Martin reached the summit of Mont Blanc.

Recent voluntary activities have included being a Trustee and Council member of the Institute of Financial Services and also an Advisory Board member of the London Regional Venture Capital.

Martin has a real passion for sustained personal excellence and peak performance theory and enjoys working with others across the business, sporting and arts worlds who share a commitment to "being the best they can be".