Brett brings to Lux decades of nonpartisan experience at the highest levels of U.S. foreign policy and national security. His diplomatic career spans four presidential administrations, most recently as Deputy Assistant to President Biden and White House Coordinator for the Middle East region. In this role, he spearheaded responses to some of the most complex diplomatic challenges of our time and oversaw all aspects of American engagement throughout the Middle East and North Africa at moments of acute crisis and opportunity.
Throughout his career, Brett has been at the forefront of modern diplomacy’s evolution -- from championing new technology and energy corridors between India, the Gulf states, Israel, Jordan, and Europe, to witnessing firsthand how AI and computing infrastructure have become essential to maintaining strategic partnerships and global influence. He also has a first-hand understanding of how breakthrough defense technologies employed by U.S. military forces can deter future conflicts, as long as the United States maintains its leading technological edge.
As Special Presidential Envoy for both Obama and Trump, Brett built and then led a global coalition of more than 80 countries, together with local forces on the ground, to defeat ISIS and prevent future attacks into Europe as well as within the borders of the United States. He also led secret negotiations with Iran to secure the release of American hostages, including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaein, later receiving the James Foley Freedom Award for hostage diplomacy. As a senior White House official under George W. Bush, Brett was an early advocate for a change in war policy and helped develop “the surge” to better align the ends and means of U.S. strategy.
At Lux, Brett helps our founders navigate this new landscape where breakthrough innovation and international cooperation are increasingly intertwined. His unique combination of diplomatic experience and forging strategic partnerships are invaluable, as we continue to back founders building transformative companies that are reshaping the world.