Rich Masters

Rich Masters

Partner, Washington, D.C.

Rich Masters returns to Qorvis as a Partner in the Washington, D.C., office, bringing extensive expertise in navigating the complex American political landscape on behalf of multinational corporations, foreign governments, and political leaders. Masters will oversee media and messaging strategy for U.S. and international clients, as well as support the firm’s business growth.

Widely regarded as one of America’s top political and media relations experts, Masters has a proven track record of conveying complex policy and political messages to diverse audiences—from middle America to the world’s global policy and business capitals. His innovative approach to political debate and messaging has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, The New York Times, and The Hill.

In 2019, Masters took on the leadership of public affairs and communications at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the world’s largest biotech advocacy group. By 2022, he advanced to Chief Public Affairs and Marketing Officer, driving successful promotional efforts across BIO’s portfolio during a challenging period for live events.

Prior to BIO, Masters led North American Crisis Communications for Qorvis, both as an independent firm and later after its acquisition by the Publicis Groupe. He leveraged his extensive experience as a campaign manager, message strategist, and investigative reporter to manage high-stakes crises ranging from natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina to man-made incidents such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Among other clients, Masters led crisis communications for the Government of Mexico Tourism Board, navigating complex issues from the H1N1 Influenza outbreak and Zika virus to narco-terrorism, earthquakes, and hurricanes affecting Mexico’s tourism sector.

Masters previously served as a policy and communications advisor to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), designing her 1996 Senate campaign strategy and later serving as her communications director on Capitol Hill.

Earlier in his career, Masters spent nearly 15 years in broadcast journalism, earning recognition as an award-winning reporter, anchor, and executive producer for stations in Louisiana, Illinois, and Iowa. He launched two successful morning news programs in Louisiana and was twice nominated for regional Emmy Awards.