Liam Clarke

Liam Clarke is senior director of market development MENA & India, and head of the Riyadh-based APCO Institute, a new educational resource for training and development for professional communicators of all levels and leads the firm’s Middle East climate practice. Mr. Clarke specializes in strategic communications, issue management and crisis, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, ESG, training and capacity building, and strategic consulting. He helps organizations evaluate and transform their operations to bolster reputation and achieve organizational and societal goals. Mr. Clarke also advises private and public sector entities on emerging issues including climate, organizational transformation and sustainability. He brings 25 years of experience working with corporations, government entities, trade groups, foundations and NGOs in the United States and around the world.

From 2017-2022 Mr. Clarke served as the first managing director of APCO’s operations in Saudi Arabia. He built APCO’s operations from the ground up, developing government and private sector client relationships and recruiting a best-in-class local and international team in the Kingdom. From 2008 to 2017, he served as head of worldwide business management for APCO. He oversaw global business operations including client compensation and profitability, budget development, resource planning and procurement. He also provided client counsel and served on the global management committee. Since joining APCO in 2003 and serving as a director in APCO’s sustainability practice, he has developed many highly recognized programs for APCO’s Fortune 500 clients in areas including strategic philanthropy, employee engagement and DE&I. Prior to APCO, Mr. Clarke worked in the corporate relations and public affairs practices at Weber Shandwick and previously served as program officer and communication manager for the Blandin Foundation, a U.S.-based private foundation with $400 million in assets.

Mr. Clarke is currently the chair of the AmCham Abu Dhabi climate committee. He is the past president of the College Key of Bates College and a former member of the Bates College Alumni Council. He has served on the boards of NGOs and as an adviser to several political campaigns. He has received APCO’s annual CEO Award and was shortlisted for “Educator of the Year” in PR News’ PR People Awards. Mr. Clarke holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bates College.