IMAA names Sam Buchanan General Manager

Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has announced the appointment of Sam Buchanan as its inaugural general manager.

The IMAA, the national, not for profit industry association for independent media agencies launched last year and within its first 12 months amassed 50 members, the number now sits at 65.

Buchanan brings almost 25 years of media experience to the role, working in a variety of roles across media owners and agencies.

Buchanan has held several senior executive roles in large media organisations, including Fairfax Media, Jetstar Media, NewsCorp Australia, Prime 7 and SCA before moving to media agencies, working as chief commercial officer for foundation IMAA member McKenzie Partners, helping the agency commercialise its data insights and identify new revenue streams.

“I’m thrilled to be appointed into this role; I am passionate about the independent media agency sector and have spent a vast majority of my career either working with indies or for them, so I’m confident I can continue to bring my experience and industry knowledge to the new leadership team,” he said.

“The IMAA continues to grow, in fact we’ve had a massive 325% growth in members since our launch - with more than 65 members now on board nationwide, and 25 media sponsors. The success of our organisation in its first year of business – and in a pandemic! - surprised and delighted us all, and I know 2021 is going to be another big year, with several initiatives planned and more new members joining us.”

The appointment follows the announcement of the IMAA’s new Leadership Team for 2021, which includes Angela Smith, managing director, MediaSmiths (NSW), Steve Fagan, director, Media Republic (Victoria), Jacquie Alley, chief operating officer, The Media Store (NSW), Tom Frazer, co-founder and managing partner, Half Dome (Victoria), Phil McDonald, partner and managing director, BCM Group (Queensland) and Ant Colreavy, chairman, sandbox media (NSW).

Buchanan’s appointment is effective immediately.