Sam Buchanan

Sam Buchanan is the CEO of the Independent Media Agencies Australia (IMAA) and has more than 25 years’ experience in the media and marketing industry.

Known as a dynamic media and relationship specialist, Sam started his career in broadcast media and spent almost 20 years developing a strong knowledge of the media through senior executive roles with leading media companies Southern Cross Austereo, News Corp Australia and Fairfax Media.

He has also worked in senior agency positions, including as Chief Commercial Officer at McKenzie Partners and senior leadership roles at Hardie Grant Media.

Sam has also completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.

His experience working in media owners, on the client side and in agencies led him on a path to the IMAA, starting with the organisation at its launch in 2020 as General Manager before taking on the role of CEO in 2022.

During his time as General Manager and now CEO, Sam has fostered the growth of the IMAA, going from 20 foundation members in 2020 to now more than 140 in mid-2022. When asked about the progress of the IMAA to date and his vision for the future, it’s simple: My aim is to leave the industry a better place than what they found it and continue to support Australian business.

Sam is married with two children and enjoys all things outdoors.