Martin has been Managing Director of the SUN Institute for Environment and Sustainability since its establishment in September 2014. After earning a degree in German Philology, French Studies, and Educational Science from the University of Bonn (1989), he began his professional career at Kaufhof Warenhaus AG as Director of Personnel Development for Young Professionals and Assistant to the Board of Management. From 1996, he held various human resources management positions at Deutsche Post DHL, serving as Head of Human Resources for Deutsche Post Consult (until 1999), Director of Human Resources for Deutsche Post Euro Express (until 2002), and Director of Human Resources for Deutsche Post Global Mail (until 2006). He then became Director of Administration at the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. Following the closure of IZA at the end of 2025, he is currently serving as the institute's liquidator.