Shamin Abas is a luxury-brand publicist who has been dating former “Today” host Matt Lauer since 2019. As speculation continues about whether Lauer is eyeing a return to television, Abas has remained a steady presence behind the scenes. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Matt Lauer’s Girlfriend, Shamin Abas, Is the CEO of a High-End Marketing Firm
Abas is the President and CEO of SAA — Shamin Abas Associates, a public relations and experiential marketing firm specializing in outreach to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. According to her LinkedIn profile, SAA works exclusively with “world-class, category-defining brands” looking to reach elite audiences. Her work spans New York, the Hamptons, and Palm Beach, where she produces luxury events, brand partnerships, and strategic campaigns. Abas is known for her polished, low-key approach and has built a reputation as a trusted resource for private-client marketing.
2. Abas Began Dating Matt Lauer in 2019
Lauer and Abas started their romantic relationship shortly after he finalized his divorce from Annette Roque. Although they began dating in 2019, the pair had known each other for nearly two decades through industry circles. A People source said, “Matt and Shamin are happy and serious about each other. They had a solid foundation as friends and in business before their relationship turned romantic.”
3. Matt Lauer and His Girlfriend Maintain a Very Private Lifestyle
While the two have occasionally been photographed together—such as their low-key New York outing in 2023 or their New Zealand vacation in 2020—Abas and Lauer largely avoid public attention. “They try and stay out of the spotlight,” another source told People. “They aren’t interested in a high-profile life, they enjoy living quietly, traveling, and keeping things low-key.”
4. Abas Has Supported Lauer Through His Post-NBC Challenges
Following NBC’s 2017 misconduct investigation that resulted in Lauer’s exit, Abas remained in his life. Sources have said she supports him “in every way” and that his public controversy has not affected their relationship. She has been described as grounded, private, and focused on stability rather than publicity.
5. Shamin Abas Was Married Twice Before Dating Lauer
Before her relationship with Lauer, Abas had two previous marriages: one to a Detroit-based dentist and another to nightclub entrepreneur Frank Cilione. Lauer also brought past history to the relationship, having finalized his divorce from Roque after more than 20 years of marriage. Despite their complicated backgrounds, a 2023 People source said Abas and Lauer “are happy and both busy in their own lives, as well as together.”
