Martens received his Licentiate degree (MA) in Applied Economics and Marketing in 1980 from the University of Antwerp, his Research Associate degree (PhD) from INSEAD in 1987 and his PhD back at the University of Antwerp under supervision of André Van Cauwenbergh.
After his graduation Martens was appointed Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Antwerp in 1993, and Professor at the Antwerp Management School since 2000.