Thomas Bruns

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Director General at U.S. Department of Commerce

United States

Overview

Thomas is a strategic executive with over 30 years of experience in international trade and commercial diplomacy, currently serving as a senior leader at the U. S. Department of Commerce. He is an MBA graduate from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Colleagues describe him as a results-oriented leader with exceptional initiative.

He is passionate about sustainable development, a value shaped during his service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal. His extensive international career, including five years living in Abu Dhabi with his family, has had a profound impact on his personal and professional life, creating deep global connections.

He is multilingual, speaking French, Bulgarian, Russian, Turkish, and the West African languages of Bambara and Wolof.

Personality Overview

Dynamic But Sincere

Decisive But Calm

Long-Term Thinker

Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.  They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time. They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.

Topics They Care About

Global Trade Strategy
His entire career is focused on advancing U. S. trade policy, opening new markets, and helping American companies compete and grow overseas.
Commercial Diplomacy
He has extensive experience leading U. S. commercial engagement and diplomacy across the Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia, often in complex geopolitical environments.
U. S. -Saudi Partnership
Recent social media activity highlights his focus on the evolving U. S. -Saudi relationship, particularly its strategic shift towards a technology and AI-driven economy.

Media Appearances

Thomas Bruns - International Trade Administration. Featured in Trade.gov (U.S. Department of Commerce)

See Now

Work History

8-2025
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Director General at U.S. Department of Commerce
8-2023 - 8-2025
Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa at U.S. Department of Commerce
7-2018 - 9-2023
Regional Senior Commercial Officer at U.S. Department of Commerce
4-2018 - 7-2018
Interim Assignment, Washington D.C. at U.S. Department of Commerce
8-2016 - 4-2018
Counselor for Commercial Affairs at U.S. Department of Commerce

Education

2018 - 2018
Certificate of Completion - Executive Education from Harvard Kennedy School
2004 - 2005
Master of Business Administration - MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 32 Location : United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Director General at U.S. Department of Commerce
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Insights For Selling To Thomas

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.
  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game
  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant

DONT's

  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results
  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them
  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Thomas is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Thomas

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Thomas move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Thomas take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Thomas

Personality Compatibility


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