UA Little Rock Honors Bobby Martin as Titan of Industry
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock honored renowned Arkansas business leader Bobby Martin as a Titan of Industry on Feb. 27 during the second installment of the Titans of Industry Conversation Series.
The event, which featured a discussion moderated by Annemarie Dillard, vice president of e-commerce and digital marketing at Dillard’s, and Marla Johnson, UA Little Rock’s technology entrepreneur-in-residence, provided students and attendees with insight into Martin’s decades-long career in business, technology, and leadership.
“Bobby Martin is a leader in business, technology, and innovation around the world,” UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. “I’m confident we will all be better educated by the end of this session, but our students will also gain perspective, inspiration, and a clear vision of how they can make their mark in the world. It is this spark that transforms learning into action.”
From Cotton Fields to Global Leadership
Martin, a Little Rock Central High School graduate, shared his journey from humble beginnings to leading some of the world’s most influential companies. At age five, he picked cotton. By age 12, he moved to Little Rock.
A high school injury ended his football career, but coaching younger players gave him an early taste of leadership. After graduating in 1967, he married his high school sweetheart after she graduated one year later, and the couple moved to Dallas. Martin later took his father-in-law’s advice to move back to Little Rock to pursue advanced computer training.
This decision led to his first job at Dillard’s as a third-shift computer operator, setting the stage for a career that spanned the retail, technology, and international business sectors. In 1984, he joined Walmart, where he played a pivotal role in launching the company’s private satellite network and developing barcode standardization, which transformed the retail industry. Eventually, he became one of the first chief information officers (CIOs) to transition into a chief executive officer (CEO) role.
“From a little boy picking cotton in small-town Arkansas to leading one of the biggest retailers in the world, I am so inspired,” Dillard said. “It’s amazing to see the incredible amount of humility you have despite all you’ve accomplished.”
Martin reflected on receiving the Titan of Industry recognition. “Even with white hair, I have enjoyed a career that has been very blessed,” he said. “This is an honor that you don’t imagine you’ll have. I promised I wouldn’t cry, but it’s incredibly humbling to remember where I started.”
The Role of Technology in Business
The conversation also highlighted the increasing role of technology in business success. Martin emphasized that technology is now woven into every industry and that successful companies must integrate it at all levels.
“For a long time, there was a disconnect—technology was in a silo,” he said. “That’s no longer the case. Today, technologists must have as much passion for the business as the CEO at the top.”
Dillard noted that many companies struggle to justify technology investments, while Johnson asked Martin about Walmart’s challenges in adapting to e-commerce.
“The lesson is clear,” Martin said. “Innovation never stops. Today, you cannot stand still.”
When discussing artificial intelligence (AI), Martin acknowledged both its potential and its risks.
“AI is an incredibly powerful tool,” he said. “The question is, how do we control it for business? It’s not going away, and we need to harness it wisely,” he said, adding that AI has the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity, workflow efficiency, and business strategy.
Advice for Future Leaders
When asked about his transition from technology to executive leadership, Martin credited his work ethic and ability to adapt to unexpected opportunities.
“I never envisioned myself as a CEO, but I found success not just in my own work, but in seeing others succeed,” Martin said. “I still encourage people to look beyond their careers. At the end of the day, it’s about purpose.”
Reflecting on his greatest challenge, Martin pointed to his leadership in developing the universal product code (UPC), which standardized barcode scanning in retail.
“It absolutely transformed the retail and manufacturing industries,” he said. “Arkansas should be proud of its impact on the world.”
UA Little Rock’s Titans of Industry series brings top executives to campus to share insights with students and the community. Drale emphasized the university’s commitment to experiential learning and industry partnerships.
“Through events like this, we are not only preparing students for their future careers but also creating a stronger, more connected Arkansas,” she said.