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Martin Glenn

Non-Executive Chair and former CEO of The FA

London, UK

Martin Glenn

Martin’s Biography

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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, he 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... 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, he 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. moreless

Martin’s Newsfeed

The Independent

Former FA chief executive wins damages after suing over corruption allegations

Former Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn has been awarded £100,000 damages after suing a former assistant director of football at Fulham for libel and harassment.

Martin’s Background

The Football Association

Former CEO

Mar 2015 - Sep 2019

London, UK

Established in 1863, The Football Association is the governing body of association football in England. It is the oldest football association in the world and oversees all aspects of football within the country, from grassroots level upwards. The body runs a whole host of competitions, the most famous of these the world-renowned FA Cup and its base is at the historic Wembley Stadium, in London.

United Biscuits

CEO

Apr 2013 - Mar 2015

London, UK

A renowned global baked snack organisation, United Biscuits boasts three centuries of excellence within the confectionary and baking sphere. Forming part of Pladis, the company is revered for its standout brands Godiva, McVitie’s & Ulker.

Birds Eye Iglo

CEO

Oct 2006 - Apr 2013

London, UK

A UK based frozen food company, Iglo is overseen by Nomad Foods Europe, a corporation which also holds the rights to the iconic Birds Eye brand throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

PepsiCo

CEO UK and Ireland

1992 - 2006

London, UK

PepsiCo is a global organisation that oversees the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of their food, snack and beverage products. The multinational is headquartered in New York and was established in 1965 after a merger between Pepsi-Cola Company and Frito-Lay, Inc.

Walkers

CEO

1992 - 2006

Leicester, UK

Most widely recognised for their production of potato crisps, Walkers hold 56 percent of the British crisps market and was founded in Leicester, in 1948. Martin held multiple posts whilst with the company, serving as Marketing Manager, Director and CEO. He was also responsible for acquiring the services of former footballer, Gary Lineker, as brand ambassador.

Mars Petcare

Marketing Manager UK and Germany

Jan 1988 - Sep 1992

Slough, UK

Mars Petcare incorporates 85,000 associates spanning more than 65 countries, all sharing a common goal of securing a better world for pets. The brand holds 75 years experience and a vast portfolio comprising of stellar names within the pet health and nutrition sphere, including Pedigree and Whiskas. A leading veterinary health provider, Mars Petcare oversees in excess of 2,000 centres.

Cadbury plc

Brand Manager

1981 - 1984

Uxbridge, UK

Cadbury, formerly Cadbury's and Cadbury Schweppes, was founded in 1824 and serves as the world's second largest confectionary brand. Boasting a presence in over 50 countries worldwide, the company is renowned for its Dairy Milk chocolate and has been widely recognised as one of Britain's most successful exports.

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Martin’s Gallery

Former FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn shakes hands with Gareth Southgate moments after he is announced as new England manager.

Martin speaks at the FIFA Annual Conference for Equality & Inclusion during his time as FA Chief Executive.

Martin confirms to the media that England manager Gareth Southgate has committed to a new contract, speaking at the national team's base of St. George's Park.

Current Board Positions

Chapel Down Group

Non-Executive Chairman

Jul 2020 - Present

Tenterden, UK

England's leading winemaker, Chapel Down produce an elite range of world-class beverages, including sparkling and still wine, gin, vodka, cider and beer. Created from locally-sourced fruit, the company proudly supply iconic British chefs, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, along with renowned institutions including The Royal Opera House. Chapel Down are also an official supplier to 10 Downing Street.

Football Foundation

Chairperson

Jan 2020 - Present

London, UK

The Football Foundation was established in 2000 and is the United Kingdom's biggest charity in the sport sector. The organisation uses funds generated by the Premier League, The FA and government to support sports at grassroots level throughout the nation. £1.7 billion has been invested into community football through 18,000 projects.

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Previous Board Positions

Leicester City

Non-Executive Director

Leicester, UK

Founded in 1884, Leicester City compete in the Premier League and play their home matches at King Power Stadium. In 2015/16, the East Midlands based side were crowned Premier League Champions, a success heralded as one of the greatest sporting shocks of all time. "The Foxes" have have won three League Cups, along with one FA Cup, defeating Chelsea in the 2021 Final.

The Marketing Society

President

2012 - 2015

London, UK

A unique worldwide collective of experienced marketers, The Marketing Society has operated since 1959, growing to become one of the most prominent influencers of marketing within business.

Media

Pitchero Blog: Power List for Grassroots Sport

Power List Top 5 for Grassroots Sports

Sep 2021

Glenn is named as one of the five most powerful influencers of grassroots sport in the Pitchero Blog through his role as Chairman of sports charity, the Football Foundation.

The Secret World of Crisps

Featured

Aug 2021

Glenn appeared in a C4 TV programme called The Secret World of Crisps, relating to his time with Walkers and Pepsico. The programme highlights the competition between the different snack companies and features the creation of the highly successful Gary Lineker advertising campaign. To view in the UK: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-world-of/on-demand/71484-002

Publications

The Best Job in the World

Author

Mar 2005

London, UK

Comprising a book, DVD and supporting booklet, Glenn, then President of PepsiCo UK and Ireland, looks back on his time at Walkers. In his first title, he shares invaluable insights on business and marketing principles, the implementation of which transformed the company from a strong regional brand into a national powerhouse. He also covers how to ensure a brand remains in pole position.

Awards & Endorsements

Influential Marketers List by Marketing Magazine

UK's Most Powerful Marketer

Jul 2004

London, UK

During his time at PepsiCo, Glenn was named the UK's Most Powerful Marketer. Sixth the year prior, he stormed up to top spot, his standing fuelled by the incredible performance of Walkers, Tropicana and Pepsi under his stewardship, along with his unwavering viewpoint on responsible marketing of food to children.

Prince of Wales Ambassador Award

Recipient

London, UK

Martin was presented with a Prince of Wales Ambassador Award in recognition of his philanthropic efforts at Business in the Community, an initiative serving Leicester Cares, as well as The National Cause Related Marketing Campaign Committee.

Charitable Interests

Business in the Community

Patron

London, UK

Founded in 1982, Business in the Community is a business-community charity and one of the Princes Charities of Charles, Prince of Wales. Promoting responsible business and corporate responsibility, BITC works globally with companies and is keyed in on improving impact on society.

Martin’s Education

University of Oxford

2:1, PPE

1978 - 1981

St. Francis of Assisi Comprehensive

1971 - 1978