Former Saks CEO Brad Martin leads U of M Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan named R. Brad Martin, a member of the University of Memphis’ Board of Visitors and retired chair and CEO of Saks Inc., to serve as interim president. He began his duties July 1, replacing Dr. Shirley Raines who announced her retirement in April. “Dr. Raines’ 12-year tenure at the University has been marked by significant advancements in its critical mission of teaching, research and service,” said Martin. “The U of M is fortunate to have in place a dedicated and talented faculty and staff and enthusiastic and loyal alumni and friends. I look forward to working with them to maintain the outstanding momentum of this most important institution. “In my conversations with Tenn. Gov. Bill Haslam, Chancellor John Morgan and Vice Chairman Greg Duckett of the TBR about this responsibility, it was clear to me of their strong commitment to the University and its unique mission. I share that commitment and hope I can be helpful,” he said. In making the announcement, Morgan said the choice of Martin “is a unique opportunity that will serve the U of M well.” “Martin will maintain the momentum at the U of M while leading the institution through a time of important transition,” he said. “He has deeply established connections to the campus and the community, as well as a sincere respect for the academic mission and a strong commitment to shared governance. “Martin’s interim leadership will provide a new perspective to the University’s business operations and a broader view on the relationships with the local, regional and state economy,” Morgan added. Martin began working with Raines in mid-April to begin preparing for the role. A 1976 graduate of the University, he served as Student Government Association president and as a member of the Student Ambassador Board while a student at the U of M. He has been a guest lecturer and speaker at the University on multiple occasions and has taught a class in state and local politics in the Department of Political Science. He and his family have provided significant financial support for U of M academic and athletic programs for decades. Martin currently chairs his private investment firm RBM Venture Co. He has chaired the University’s Board of Visitors and the U of M Foundation Board of Trustees, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award. He currently serves as a University Athletic Ambassador and is a member of the Tiger Athletic Advisory Board. Martin also earned an MBA degree from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. He holds the distinction of being the youngest person elected to the Tennessee General Assembly, where he served five terms in the House of Representatives. As a member of the House, he created and sponsored legislation that founded the Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University. He participates on a variety of corporate, civic and charitable boards, including FedEx, First Horizon National Corp., Dillard’s and Chesapeake Energy. Martin retired in 2007 from Saks after serving nearly 20 years as an executive with that firm. He was the principal investor in RBM Acquisition Co., an entity that acquired Saks’ predecessor business, Proffit’s Inc. Martin became the W W W. M E M P H I S . E D U
Dina and Brad Martin and sons Jack, Myles and Wesley.
chief executive officer of the company in 1989 when it was comprised of 10 stores with annual revenues of approximately $70 million. Over the subsequent decade, Proffitt’s grew to become one of the largest department store businesses in the United States, generating revenues in excess of $4 billion. He is also involved in a number of philanthropic and civic activities through the R. Brad Martin Family Foundation. Among the interests of the Foundation is the work of the Martin Institute for Teaching Excellence, housed at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, which provides world-class professional development opportunities for K-12 public and private school teachers. Martin’s wife, Dina, also a U of M graduate, is active in a variety of University, community and philanthropic programs. He is the co-author of the book Five Stones: Conquering Your Giants and author of the children’s book, Myles’ Pesky Friends. The search for the U of M’s next president will begin this fall. FA L L 2 013
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