Brian Lott

Chief Communications Officer
Mubadala
UAE

@Blotter

 

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.

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. 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 when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
It's most rewarding to me when people recognize Mubadala as both a great place to work, and to do business with, based on our reputation.

What do you love about this industry?
It's full of interesting people who are passionate about what they do.

What most frustrates you about this industry?
We spend a lot of time talking and not enough time doing.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities?
We have to be guardians of the facts and the truth.

How do you relax or change pace when you're not at work?
I listen to opera.

Can you share a book/movie/TV show/podcast that teaches a valuable lesson about PR?
The movie “Big Night”.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Teaching.