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 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 role business must play in society. As he told PRovoke Media in Davos this year, "For years, communicators have been reflecting concerns of broader society, that companies need to look beyond profit and address larger social disruptions and how they can best use the power of their brands to make the world better." 
 
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. Lott began his career in Washington DC, where he served as chief of staff, spokesman and campaign manager for two members of Congress. Before joining Mubadala, Lott worked at Burson-Marsteller for ten years.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
The Larry Fink letter.

What are the comms industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
Challenges are remaining relevant and profitable; opportunities are helping with a major world crisis in Covid-19.

What have you most admired about this industry in 2020?
Its commitment to focus on D&I.

What has most disappointed you about this industry in 2020?
The lack of creative solutions to help with COVID mitigation, particularly in the US, and in combatting the attack on the mainstream media.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness in lockdown?
Walking every day.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through this year or provided inspiration?
Hard Driving, the Wendell Scott story; The Atlantic Magazine; Aria Code podcast; Homeland.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Writing a book.

Sum up 2020 in one word.
Discombobulation.