Meet the trustees: Martin Ross
Martin Ross is a media professional and the founder of HR Media Ltd – one of South Yorkshire’s most successful public relations agencies, supporting business, health and sports clients across the region and beyond.
He moved into PR in 1997 after a successful career in journalism, where he rose to become Assistant Editor of The Star. Together with his good friend and colleague, Alison Hurndall, they formed Hurndall Ross Media (later HR Media and HRM), which grew into a thriving 20-strong agency working with leading businesses, organisations events and individuals.
Martin’s commitment to his community is reflected in his voluntary work. Alongside his role at SYCF, he has also served as Vice President of Sheffield United and as a trustee of St Luke’s Hospice.
Now retired, Martin lives in Sheffield with his wife, Val, and their cat, Holly. He is a proud dad to Mark, Natalie and Emma and grandfather to six grandsons, known as the cousin crew!
Tell us how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been fascinated by people and interested in their stories, which drew me to journalism. After leaving school following A-levels, I completed my journalism training course before starting work at The Star.
My first job was as a general news reporter before rising through the editorial team to become news editor managing scores of journalists in delivering the news agenda. In those days there was no such thing as social media. The Star was a powerful news outlet where nearly 150,000 people relied upon it for a daily news digest. It was an exciting time. Later, I went on to join the editorial development team for the UPN group based in Leeds.
Seeing a shift in the way audiences consume news, I made the choice to leave print journalism in 1997 and set up a PR agency with my good friend and former colleague at The Star, Alison Hurndall.
Our first client was Westfield Health, and we were proud to work with them for almost 20 years. Over more than two decades, HR Media grew into one of the region’s leading agencies, working with fantastic clients and people across South Yorkshire and beyond.
During this time, I was honoured to also serve as a trustee at St Luke’s Hospice and as Vice President of Sheffield United – two very different but equally rewarding roles.
When did you become a trustee at SYCF, and what inspired you to join?
I joined SYCF around the time of retiring as Managing Director of HR Media in 2017. I wanted to continue using my skills for good and SYCF felt like the perfect fit. It’s an incredible organisation with the team making a real difference across South Yorkshire. I’ve now been a trustee for eight years and feel privileged to support its work and new Chief Executive, Martin Singer.
What does your role involve?
As a trustee, I use my background in public relations and communications to support the Foundation’s mission of relating to and strengthening communities. That includes helping with communications, profiling and marketing, contributing to strategy and governance and using my networks to raise awareness of SYCF’s work.
I also sit on the Executive Committee and Future Funds Committee and am proud to be part of the team preparing to celebrate SYCF’s 40th anniversary in 2026.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a trustee?
Knowing that I can play a part in improving the lives of people in our region. It’s hugely rewarding to see grants making a difference to local communities and tackling the issues that matter most in the region.
What have been the highlights of your time with SYCF?
The development of the Foundation's website and supporting the executive team in delivering an organisation effective in finding solutions to key issues within the region.
What’s your favourite thing about South Yorkshire?
Undoubtedly the people. There’s a genuine friendliness here and a willingness to go the extra mile that you can feel in everyday life. This ‘can-do’ attitude gives the whole region a sense of resilience and pride. I also love the sheer variety of the landscape. The contrast of our stunning countryside and vibrant towns and cities. It’s a place I’m proud to call home.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with my wife and family - particularly my grandsons.
Most weekends you’ll find me at Bramall Lane or following Sheffield United on the radio! I’ve been a Blades fan since my dad first took me as a boy – back in the 1960s. It is now a family tradition, and I love being able to accompany my son (who is now a vice-president at the club) and take the boys to watch the red and white wizards.
Outside of football, I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel with my wife and friends. I have been fortunate to explore many corners of the world. We also enjoy walking and have explored many miles of the Isles of Scilly - one of our all-time favourite spots.