The 2017 Queensland Gold Medal Winner is…

Mr MacDonald was awarded the 2017 Gold Medal by AICD Chairman Elizabeth Proust AO FAICD in front of industry and business leaders at a gala dinner on Thursday night.

The Award places Mr MacDonald in a veritable hall of fame of those who display excellence in directorship and have made significant contributions to improving governance.

For more than 40 years Ken practised corporate law, with particular emphasis on the energy and natural resources sector as a partner with Allens and its predecessors.

He has also served as a director for a wide variety of organisations for more than 30 years, including as Chairman of Highlands Pacific Ltd, Chairman of Omega Oil NL, Deputy Chancellor of Bond University and Deputy Chairman of the Queensland Investment Corporation.

He was also a Director of QIC Private Capital Pty Ltd, QIC Retail Pty Ltd, Q-Invest Ltd, MIM Holdings Ltd, RiverCity Motorway Group, Consolidated Rutile Ltd, Cudgen Ltd, Allen Allen and Hemsley, and Save the Children Fund Australia – Queensland Division.

AICD Queensland President, Dr Sally Pitkin FAICD, said that Ken had made a significant contribution to business and governance in the state through both his director and legal roles.

"Ken has shown outstanding leadership in his chairman and director roles of numerous significant Queensland companies and organizations,” she said.

“He has brought his formidable experience and capability to many boardrooms, acting in the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in complex and dynamic environments, and showing that good governance supports sustainable business success.

"Ken has actively supported other directors, both established and emerging; and has always been willing to share his experience and knowledge with others. He has been very active in industry bodies, particularly in the resources industry, providing an important connection between the public and private sectors to facilitate Queensland's economic development.

“He has made an outstanding contribution to the business community in Queensland, both as a director and a lawyer, and it’s a pleasure to award him the Queensland Gold Medal.

Mr MacDonald said it was a privilege to receive such an award from his peers.

“It’s always nice to know people think you’ve done a good job. I’m proud of that,” he said.

“Regulatory and community expectations have expanded significantly in my time as a director, and the potential reputational risk that can strike at the very heart of a company is much greater than it used to be. This has made the practice of good governance more important than ever.”