Martin graduated with an honours MA in English Language and Literature from St Andrew's University.

Between 1979 and 1983 he was an Administrative Officer in the Hong Kong Government. He joined the British Council in 1984 and was immediately posted to China, eventually working across the country as a Regional Officer.

He became Acting Regional Director for East and Southern Europe in 1994 and was appointed China Country Director in 1995. He held this role until 2000 at which point he was made Geographic Director for East Asia and the Americas.

Martin was appointed Deputy Director General in September 2005 and appointed Chief Executive in April 2007. He is a Governor of Goodenough College and Board Member of the Great Britain China Council.