Martha Ingram & family

Early Life

Martha Robinson Rivers was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 20, 1935. She was educated at Ashley Hall in Charleston and graduated from Vassar College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in history.

Rise to Success

After graduating, she worked at radio and television stations owned by her father. In 1979, she was appointed as director of public affairs at Ingram Industries by her husband. In 1995, after her husband's death, she became chairman and CEO of Ingram Industries. She expanded and diversified the company, including venturing into book distribution and media through the Ingram Content Group. Martha stepped down as CEO in 2008, but continues to be involved in the family's business. She was inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Music City Walk of Fame in 2017.

Key Business Strategies

Under Martha's leadership, Ingram Industries focused on diversification and strategic expansion. She oversaw the spin-off of Ingram Micro, the computer distribution arm, while maintaining control of other divisions, like the Ingram Book Group. She also established and maintained the company's presence in transportation.

Philanthropy

Martha Ingram has a long history of philanthropy. She co-founded the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. She also served as the former Chairman of the Board of Trust of Vanderbilt University, where the Blair School of Music received a $300 million donation of Ingram company stock. She was named the 50th most generous philanthropist in Business Week for her donations from 2000 to 2004.