The Webb School is delighted to announce the 2026 inductee into the Distinguished Alumni Society and the recipient of this year's John B. Hardin Service Award. These honors celebrate the profound impact our graduates and community members have on the world and our campus.
Distinguished Alumni Society
The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes those who have translated our founder’s vision into lives of exceptional purpose. Membership is awarded by the Alumni Board and the Board of Trustees to alumni who, through personal commitment, tireless work ethic, and a spirit of service, have achieved significant success in their professional careers while bringing honor to themselves and The Webb School.
This year’s inductee is Martin Brand '92, of New York, N.Y. He is the Head of Blackstone Capital Partners and serves on several of the firm’s investment committees.
After graduating from Webb, Martin attended Oxford University, where he received a B.A./M.A. in Mathematics and Computation with First Class Honors, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Before joining Blackstone, Martin worked as a derivatives trader with Goldman Sachs in New York and Tokyo, and with McKinsey & Company in London.
Martin was involved in several of Blackstone’s private equity investments, including Refinitiv, IntraFi, Bumble, Liftoff, Blue Yonder, Ultimate Software, Kronos, Knight Capital, Exeter, PBF Energy, Lendmark, Optiv, Ipreo, NCR, Paysafe, First Eagle and Bank United. He currently serves as director of London Stock Exchange Group, Smartsheet, Bumble, UKG Software, Liftoff Mobile, CVENT, and First Eagle.
Beyond the boardroom, he is a Trustee of the American Academy Berlin and the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.
"Martin’s ascent to the forefront of global finance is a testament to the rigorous academic foundation and character he built here at Webb," said Jonathon Hawkins P ’21, Director of Alumni and Development. "He joins an outstanding list of Webb alumni who have been celebrated for their remarkable careers and visionary leadership. His success is a powerful reminder of where a Webb education can take you."
John B. Hardin Service Award
The John B. Hardin Service Award honors those who have consistently poured their time and talent into the life of the School, ensuring that students thrive and the Webb community remains strong.
This year, we are proud to recognize Webb Follin '73 of Nashville, Tenn. With a family legacy at the School spanning over a century, Webb’s roots in our community run incredibly deep.
Following a successful business career that included founding Mountain Valley Spring Water Nashville and extensive work in real estate brokerage and investment, Webb turned his focus toward the longevity of his alma mater. His devotion to the School’s future is evident in his decades of leadership on the Board of Trustees and in his tenure as President of the Alumni Board from 2019 to 2021.
Webb’s philanthropic impact is equally profound; he is a member of the Burkhead Legacy Society and has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the School’s mission through consistent giving. "Webb Follin is the very heart of this community," noted Hawkins. "He joins a cherished group of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who have been the backbone of this School. Whether in the boardroom or on the sidelines, his tireless devotion ensures that the Webb spirit remains vibrant for generations to come."
Indeed, Webb has long been known as "Webb's Biggest Fan." He remains a constant fixture at sporting events, frequently cheering on the Feet, particularly in basketball and track & field. His unwavering support for our student-athletes embodies the very essence of "Service above Self."
The induction and award ceremony will be held during the 2026 Alumni Reunion Weekend, from April 24–25, on The Webb School campus. We invite all members of the Webb family to join us in celebrating these two remarkable individuals.
For more information and to register, please visit webbschool.com/reunion.