Martin is a full-time PhD candidate whose thesis title is: ‘“A Cuba off the East African coast?”: Zanzibar, Britain and the Cold War, 1963-65’. His supervisor is Professor Sarah Stockwell. His research focuses on Zanzibar in the early-to-mid 1960s, and on British policy towards the islands’ during their decolonisation, revolution and union with Tanganyika. The thesis examines the interplay of decolonisation, the Cold War and African nationalism in Zanzibar. 

Martin previously completed an MA World History & Cultures at King’s College London, for which he was awarded the 2019 Jinty Nelson award for the highest overall mark amongst MA History students at KCL. 

Before academia, Martin had a long career in leisure and retail businesses, including Virgin Active Health Clubs, Camelot Lotteries, Rank Group plc and Safeway Stores plc. He has held Chair, Non-Executive Director, CEO and Managing Director positions.