Luke Severn
Senior Associate

Luke Severn - Associate at Michael Macfarlane Associates

Luke is a Senior Associate specialising in strategic communications, public relations and reputation management for UHNWIs, Family Offices and philanthropic organisations.

 

With a diverse professional background and many years of experience operating within a Family Office environment, he has developed a strong understanding of the unique sensitivities, complexities and responsibilities that accompany advising high-profile individuals and their principals on both public-facing and private matters.

 

Throughout his career, Luke has been responsible for managing and curating the global reputation of prominent UHNWIs across international markets, including during periods of heightened scrutiny, reputational challenge and rapidly evolving media cycles.

 

His experience spans both proactive reputation building and reactive crisis management, allowing him to support clients through high-stakes situations with discretion, clarity and strategic oversight.

 

He works closely with principal advisors and wider stakeholder teams to ensure communications strategies are carefully aligned, risk-aware and executed with precision across traditional and digital media environments.

Luke’s work is centred on strategic communications and reputation management, with a particular focus on shaping how individuals, families and organisations are perceived online and within the global media landscape. He advises on long-term reputation positioning, media engagement, narrative development and digital presence, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex and fast-moving communications environment. His ability to combine strategic thinking with strong execution has enabled him to support clients across a broad spectrum of initiatives, from profile raising and thought leadership through to sensitive reputational matters requiring careful handling behind the scenes.

 

Alongside his advisory work, Luke has extensive experience producing and overseeing digital content designed to strengthen reputation, increase visibility and communicate values-led narratives to global audiences. This includes the development and production of podcasts, interview-led formats, online series and long-form editorial content featuring entrepreneurs, philanthropists, cultural leaders and public figures. His understanding of audience engagement and modern media consumption allows him to help clients communicate authentically whilst maintaining strategic alignment with broader reputational objectives.

 

Luke is particularly experienced in advising principals and philanthropic organisations on impact-led and philanthropic initiatives, including how these programmes are structured, positioned and communicated publicly. He has worked closely with foundations, family-led philanthropic entities and mission-driven organisations to articulate clear narratives around purpose, social impact and long-term vision. His work often involves helping principals refine messaging, identify strategic opportunities for engagement and ensure philanthropic activity is communicated thoughtfully and credibly across media, stakeholder and digital channels.

 

Prior to his current role, Luke led global communications for a major philanthropic foundation, where he oversaw international communications strategy, media relations, digital storytelling and partnership engagement. This experience further strengthened his understanding of the intersection between reputation, philanthropy and public influence, particularly within the context of high-profile individuals and internationally recognised organisations.

 

Luke is also known for his ability to cultivate highly trusted client relationships built on discretion, responsiveness and sound judgement. He works collaboratively with Family Offices, lawyers, private advisors and leadership teams to provide integrated communications support tailored to the specific needs of each client. His calm and considered approach, particularly during complex or sensitive situations, has made him a trusted advisor to principals navigating both opportunity and challenge in the public sphere.

 

With a background in journalism, Luke maintains an extensive network of international media contacts and possesses a strong understanding of the evolving global media landscape. This foundation enables him to identify emerging narratives, anticipate reputational risk, and develop communications strategies that are both commercially and culturally informed.