Martin Glenn is a highly influential business leader in the commercial and sporting worlds with a track record of revitalising and modernising organisations to raise their effectiveness.
He has transitioned seamlessly into the non-executive sphere, taking up board roles at Froneri, Chapel Down and the Football Foundation, a charity in which he is able to further develop grassroots football.
Martin spent 15 years with Pepsico and led the Walkers Snacks business through a period of rapid growth which reshaped the UK market; driven by the launch of Doritos in 1994 and the re-launch of Walkers Crisps headed up by the Gary Lineker partnership, which remains the UK’s longest running advertising campaign. Walkers’ market share rose from 30% to 70% between 1992 and 2006, Martin becoming President of the company in 1998.
As a highly successful marketing executive and proven Chief Executive, Martin is known for orchestrating several successful turnarounds at Birds Eye and United Biscuits. Building on his experience as a director at Leicester City FC and his grassroots coaching knowledge (he is a Level 1 FA coach), he took on the role as CEO of The FA in 2015 with a mission to modernise its workings and effectiveness in serving the game.
The FA, following a major restructuring and new approach to the sale of international TV rights for The FA Cup, were able to substantially increase investment into the game, focusing on building a support structure for the international teams and developing women’s football. The results were tangible; England’s men and women making three World Cup semi-finals between 2015 - 2019 and nationwide participation in the women’s game doubling in the process.
Putting into practice his extensive experience of steering multi-billion-pound companies, Martin is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, eloquently delivering invaluable insight on consumer goods management and sports governance.
