James Lake

As Managing Director for Global Communications and Outreach, Mr. Lake leads GDI’s communication strategies, media relations and stakeholder engagement in furthering GDI’s vision and promoting the company’s brand and strategic offerings around the world.

Mr. Lake has over 30 years of executive experience in both the public and private sectors designing, managing, and executing large-scale and corporate, government, domestic, and international client accounts to achieve short-and-long-term strategic communication objectives.  He has advised C-Suite executives, non-profits, and international clients in managing public affairs issues, media relations, crisis planning and response, and digital strategies affecting their business operations, market position and brand.

Mr. Lake has also worked for some of the world’s largest public relations firms handling domestic and international clients from around the globe.  While serving as the Chairman of the U.S. Public Affairs Practice at Burson-Marsteller (now BCW), Mr. Lake grew the international and government practice areas managing some of the largest public education campaigns.

As a high-ranking U.S. government official, Mr. Lake served in the Reagan and Bush Administrations at the U.S. Department of Commerce. While serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Trade Development in the International Trade Administration, he was responsible for the development and execution of trade and media strategies to promote U.S. exports around the world.

Mr. Lake is the recipient of numerous industry awards for his work on behalf of his clients and was awarded the coveted PR News, PR People Award for Brand Manager of the Year.