Martyn took up the role of Director General in November 2013. Prior to this appointment, he was New Zealand's High Commissioner to Australia - a role in which he was responsible for managing a range of trade issues with one of our most important trading partners. He was also responsible for leading the New Zealand Customs Service from 2004 to 2011. During this time at Customs, he was elected Chair of the World Customs Organisation - the largest international organisation responsible for setting global customs, trade security and customs operating standards.

Until 2004, Martyn served as an officer in the New Zealand Army for 27 years including service with the Special Air Service (SAS). He commanded the deployment of New Zealand Forces in East Timor from 1999-2001 and was subsequently responsible for the establishment of a single New Zealand Joint Forces Command in the rank of Major General.

Martyn holds a Masters of Arts (Strategic Studies) from La Trobe University, Melbourne. He is a graduate fellow of the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies and graduate in the Australian Army Command and Staff College, Fort Queenscliffe. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management.