Talent Champion – Bruce Kalfus

Talent Champion Spotlight

AEF Talent Champion - Bruce Kalfus

Bruce Kalfus
Executive Director, Sports Brand Solutions 
ESPN/Disney

Bruce Kalfus is an 18-year veteran at ESPN/Disney. Within the Sports Brand Solutions group, he helps lead sales marketing solutions for the NBA, ESPN Films/30 for 30 and ESPN+. During his ESPN career, he has also managed the sales marketing efforts on MLB, the Little League World Series, IndyCar, BASS and ESPN Outdoors. He also founded an ESPN branded content group that engaged fans and activated brands with award-winning storytelling. 

Prior to ESPN/Disney, Kalfus helped champion the formative days of the internet, with sales marketing roles at GeoCities and AltaVista.  He started his career in media planning at Lintas/Ammirati Puris Lintas.  

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF and why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

I was inspired by the AEF because it’s an organization with a soul. They are thoughtful, have a true purpose and are paving the way for the next talented generation in our industry.

Think of the change we’ve seen in our industry in just the last 5 years – how could you not be excited for what’s next, especially as we are energized by the passion and diversity of the next generation?

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

– Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you deal with it
– You are responsible for your own career
– Be yourself; everyone else is taken

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I work in sports, how lucky am I? Now more than ever, we all need the joy, passion and escape that sports offers. I’m proud to be a part of that.

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation