Martin Pugh

Martin is an experienced leader of large, multi-site, multi-channel consumer businesses in highly regulated sectors, 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 on both company boards and trade associations.

He has particular expertise in driving business improvement and transformation through strategy development, digital scaling, operational delivery, customer-driven innovation, and people leadership.

Martin is currently a PhD candidate at King’s College London, researching the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution. His thesis is a case study on the interplay of nationalism, decolonisation and the Cold War in 1960s Africa, and examines the impact and enduring legacy of colonial racial thought and policy.

He has also taught a Global History module at King’s, and he provides careers talks, podcasts and coaching to Arts and Humanities students wishing to go into industry.

Martin’s governor role at Staffordshire University brings together his extensive business experience with his passion for higher education.