Media Super shines a light on industry stars both old and new
Emphasizing the continuity of skill and commitment in the industry as it transits to a new manufacturing destiny, Media Super has brought together one of the industry’s legends and one of its rising stars.
Malcolm Buckner, began his printing career in 1979 as a sales representative for the family business, Buckner Printing Company in Queensland. Sean Thompson started as a general hand in Webstar’s pressroom in 2006. The unlikely pair formed two ends of a timeline in being honoured by Media Super as the inaugural ‘Industry Legend’ and the ‘2015 Young Executive of the Year.’
During the glittering awards night of the National Pint awards, Media Super CEO Graeme Russell, singled out the two for special honour.
“The Media Super Young Executive award, previously known as the ‘Future Leader award’, recognises young people within our industry who have been identified by their company and state bodies as being a current or future executive capable of driving their business and the wider industry as we continue to evolve and advance with customer expectations, technology and the broader services many are integrating into their business model,” said Russell.
“Sean began his career in the printing industry in 2006 as a General Hand in Webstar’s pressroom. Sean quickly showed himself to be an energetic and intelligent individual and worked his way up to become Supply Chain and Pre-production Manager. While working fulltime, Sean also earned a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Management and Marketing. He has recently enrolled to do his Masters.
“We also want to celebrate the other end of the career spectrum. The Media Super Industry Legend award recognises someone who, over their career, has pushed their work and business forward, who has been active within the industry and through association work, but also been prominent in their local community outside of work. It’s that sense of community that Media Super is all about.
“Nominations for this award were invited from each state body and reviewed by a panel of judges with representatives from Printing Industries and Media Super. Again the challenge was tough and the field impressive. Industries need leaders and legends if they are to flourish and Media Super is proud to honour Malcolm Buckner of the Buckner Group.”
The choice of Buckner was endorsed by fellow Queenslander, Susan Heaney, chair of the judging panel who described him as a stalwart of Printing Industries (previously PATEFA) throughout almost 37 years in the Industry.
“Malcolm is regarded as one of the most committed and longest serving honoraria of Printing Industries and had an active role across a wide range of association activities, including complex industry negotiations with state and local government and the establishment of the inaugural Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) in the late 1990s.
“While his primary passion is for the printing industry, Malcolm’s energy and enthusiasm also impact on the broader community. Under his direction The Buckner Group provide practical support for the Salvation Army’s community work,” she said.