Barkley Names New Production Exec, Takes the Free the Bid Pledge

Kansas City-based agency Barkley has promoted Melany Esfeld to the role of Director of Integrated Production, Video and Experiential. In addition to overseeing production for all video, photography and experiential projects, Esfeld will be will be responsible for evolving Barkley's production approach and capabilities.

Esfeld joined Barkley in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks from Senior to Executive Producer before being promoted to her current position. Esfeld’s first order of business was to pledge to Free The Bid, a movement to increase seats at the table for female directors, editors and DPs. It’s part of her larger aim to invite diverse voices into the creative process. “Inviting more diverse voices into the creative conversation is a no brainer and only makes the work better,” she says.

“Melany has had a major impact on the craft and quality of Barkley’s work. But in addition to her ability to make the work better, Melany makes everyone she leads better,” says Katy Hornaday, EVP Executive Creative Director at Barkley. “She is a force of nature when it comes to galvanising a team and finding solutions where everyone else only sees limitations.”

Prior to Barkley, Esfeld started her career at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, then moved to lead the production department Factory Design Labs in Denver, CO. Over her career, Esfeld has partnered with a wide variety of brands including The North Face, Sports Authority, Oakley, Callaway, Old Navy, Dairy Queen, WingStop, Russell Athletic, Volkswagen, Burger King, Dominos, S’well and Cargill.

Esfeld says, “I have loved Barkley since day one. I am humbled to lead a team who approaches every project with how it can be done in the biggest possible way. But most importantly, I am inspired daily by the fearless talent within the Barkley family.”