McDonald’s legacy in print lasted almost 55 years, but it’s his achievement in the past 10 years that he will be best remembered for.
The ability to prise more than £600m out of Rupert Murdoch’s coffers is impressive in itself, but by overseeing ‘Project Hal’ from conception to implementation, McDonald has most certainly left his mark on the industry.
A complete overhaul of News International’s three print facilities in Scotland, Knowsley and Broxbourne, meant News International now has some of the most advanced print facilities in the world.
He first pitched the idea to Murdoch at the media mogul’s Sydney home during the Olympics in 2000, the green light was finally given in 2004 and last year, all three sites became operational.
The investment also saw an end to the Wapping facility made famous in the mid 1980s.
Having grown up near Edinburgh, McDonald joined McLang Cumming as an apprentice age 15 in 1956. His career took him through The Scotsman, Ben Johnson and York, Mirror Group and finally News International where he has been since 1994.
From print apprentice to father of print’s most advanced sites in just 50 years, McDonald, who officially retired the day before receiving this award, is certainly most deserving of this accolade.
Supported by the BPIF and PrintWeek
For the full run-down of the Excellence Awards 2009 winners, click here.
