Steve Lutes

Vice President, Middle East Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Steve Lutes is vice president and deputy head of Middle East, Central Asia and Türkiye at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for managing the U.S.-Egypt Business Council, U.S.-Iraq Business Council, the U.S.-GCC Business Initiative, U.S.-Kuwait Business Council, and U.S.-Bahrain Business Council. In this capacity, Lutes is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote U.S. business opportunities and investment in Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. He works closely with Chamber member companies and business and government leaders to deepen and expand commercial relationships.

Lutes came to the Chamber from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) where he was a senior legislative affairs specialist in the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. He focused on educating members of Congress on the benefits of trade and foreign direct investment and on advancing the Administration’s trade agenda on Capitol Hill, including securing passage of the United States-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Lutes also served as the congressional liaison to the President’s Export Council and the Manufacturing Council for the Department.

Previously, Lutes worked in Columbus, Ohio, on the Bush-Cheney reelection effort through 2004, successfully directing political and grassroots strategy in central Ohio and helping turnout the largest county vote for former President George W. Bush in Ohio.

Earlier in his career, he worked on Capitol Hill and held a variety of positions, including press secretary, legislative director, and chief of staff.

Lutes earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He serves on the Board of Hands Along the Nile Development Services (HANDS) and Indiana University Kelley School of Business Global Dean's Council. Steve and his wife met while working on Capitol Hill and live in Alexandria, Virginia.

Authored Content

Oct 01, 2024
The U.S. Chamber emphasizes the growing economic partnership between the U.S. and U.A.E., highlighting key areas of collaboration following the recent presidential meeting. Read more
Jan 04, 2024
Startups and small and medium sized businesses are essential to tackling climate solutions, and the U.S. Chamber helped ensure they were part of the conversation at COP28. Read more
Jun 03, 2021
The Biden Administration has prioritized efforts on ‘Climate Diplomacy’ since taking office in January 2021. Decarbonization, sustainability, and clean energy are top-tiered areas of focus as we enter a new era of U.S. leadership and global engagement. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a leader through its response to climate change using cutting-edge technologies to curb emissions, improve energy efficiency, and deploy new sources of clean energy. Read more
Apr 14, 2021
Four recommendations for the Biden Administration to strengthen U.S.-Egypt business relations. Read more
Mar 22, 2021
The United States and Iraq must work together to bring about better opportunities and economic prosperity for the Iraqi people to help secure a stable, democratic and growing Iraq. Given its resources, people, history, and resilient democratic governance, Iraq has the elements and the potential to deliver a bright future for its citizens and ultimately through sustained economic growth provide a higher standard of living that is felt throughout society. Read more
Mar 10, 2021
U.S. businesses in Egypt are advancing social impact initiatives and helping build better communities throughout the region. Read more
Sep 16, 2020
The historic agreement promotes innovation, collaboration, and tremendous business potential. Read more
Sep 15, 2020
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Qatar Business Program held its 3rd annual Strategic Dialogue this week. Read the key takeaways here. Read more
Aug 21, 2020
Read the key takeaways from the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Iraq Business Council executive roundtable with the Prime Minister of Iraq. Read more
Jun 10, 2020
U.S.-Iraq Business Council leadership breaks down how to grow our bilateral economic relationship with Iraq following the COVID-19 crisis. Read more