June 27, 2017
ORLANDO – Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins has been named to Orlando Magazine’s Most Powerful People list for the 10th consecutive year, ranking first on this year’s list in the Entertainment Category. Martins has remained a fixture in the rankings of the most dynamic leaders in Central Florida for much of the past decade. He was a “Hall of Power” member after ranking in Orlando Magazine’s Top 5 for five years in a row of their “Most Powerful People” rankings and sat atop that list in 2012.
Martins, who has spent 30 years in professional sports management, has been a fixture and leader in the Orlando community receiving many accolades and community roles over the years. In 2016, he was chosen by the City of Orlando to lead the board of directors for the city-sponsored OneOrlando Fund, which was the largest fund for the victims of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Martins has led the charge with the future $200 million sports and entertainment complex across from the Amway Center and the Magic’s recent acquisition of the Orlando Solar Bears franchise. Martins was also instrumental in securing the state-of-the-art Amway Center, which was named the 2012 SportsBusiness Journal’s “Facility of the Year” and received the 2013 StadiumBusiness “Customer Experience Award.” In addition, he was an integral piece to bringing the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend to Orlando and its $95 million economic impact.
For all of his efforts in Central Florida, he has been presented with multiple honors including the Orlando Economic Development Commission’s (EDC) 2015 James B. Greene Economic Development Award, recognizing an individual whose work has contributed substantially to the economic prosperity of the region. He also received the 2013 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association for his achievements and contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry and the overall community.
In the July 2017 issue, Orlando Magazine wrote:
A few months ago, Martins and General Manager Rob Hennigan were under fire: The team, which had shown so much preseason promise with the addition of Coach Frank Vogel and big-name players Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo, struggled to a 29-53 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Martins immediately fired Hennigan and added Jeff Weltman from the Toronto Raptors as president of basketball operations; Weltman promptly hired John Hammond from the Milwaukee Bucks as the new GM. With both moves receiving rave reviews, hope has returned to the land of Magic. Other big milestones for Martins were the Magic’s acquisition of the Orlando Solar Bears franchise and the clearing of land for a $200 million sports and entertainment complex across from Amway Center. Martins was also a huge presence in community service matters, chairing the OneOrlando Fund, which distributed $33 million to survivors of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting and the families of those who died.
During his time in Central Florida, Martins has held several significant roles in the local community. He served as the past chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, The Central Florida Partnership and the Orlando Community Construction Corporation (the entity responsible for the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts). Martins also served on the board of directors of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness. He currently serves on the executive committee of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, the Central Florida board of directors for Seaside National Bank & Trust and on the Governor’s Council of the EDC. He is also on the University of Central Florida board of trustees, serving as Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee.