Brian Lott

Chief Communications Officer
Mubadala
UAE

When it comes to the development of public relations in the Middle East, few have played a leadership role greater than that of Brian Lott. As chief communications officer for more than 12 years of Mubadala Investment Company—the sovereign-owned business development giant and one of the region’s most sophisticated users of PR — Lott oversees a mandate that is as broad as it is deep. Responsible for stewardship of the brand and management of the group’s corporate communications requirements, Lott has also focused on recruiting and developing local public relations talent to manage the reputations of the company and its various portfolio units.

That mandate gives Lott more insight than most into the Middle East’s growing influence from a communications perspective. Beyond Mubadala, Lott has served as chair of the Middle East Public Relations Association, helping define the organization’s mission and vision and spearheading its contribution to professional development in the region, and as a member of Zayed University’s International Advisory Board, as well as being 2022 chair of the Page board of trustees.

Lott began his career in Washington DC, where he served as chief of staff, spokesman and campaign manager for two members of Congress. He is a published author and former journalist. Before joining Mubadala, Lott worked at global public relations firm Burson-Marsteller for 10 years.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
It's almost always when our industry celebrates the unsung heroes of life, whether during Covid or another crisis.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
Use AI to help our profession get smarter.

What have you most admired about the communications industry over the past year, and what has disappointed you?
Helping companies navigate geopolitics while still doing the right thing is always admirable. Advising them to shrink from leadership core to their purpose is not.

What work from your team are you most proud of over the past year?
Focusing the world's attention on COP28 and the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year?
Regular visits to the gym after work, maintaining a largely plant-based diet, and managing my weekends as joyfully as possible.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through the past year or provided inspiration?
Heroes and Humans of Football podcast, with Simon Kuper and Mehreen Khan.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
At the opera learning a new career.