Brian Lott

Executive Director, Group Communications
Mubadala
@Blotter
United Arab Emirates 

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.

And beyond Mubadala, Lott has served as chair of the Middle East Public Relations Association—from 2015 until January of this year, 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. He is a published author and former journalist. Before joining Mubadala, Lott worked at global public relations firm Burson-Marsteller for ten years.

Can you share a moment in your career that you recognized PR's direct impact on business performance?
Mubadala's strong reputation which enables it to attract the world's best companies as its business partners, made evident by its recent merger with a fellow industry giant.

What are the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities? 
Its biggest challenge is the fractional, dispersed way people absorb information and entertainment.  Our biggest opportunity is using creativity and honesty to cut through the clutter.

How do you handle the unexpected?
With the realization that life is more often unpredictable than we would like to believe

How do you relax?
Travel

Book/movie/TV show/podcast that teaches a valuable lesson about PR?
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
running an Opera House.