Northbourne Advisory

Northbourne Advisory is a strategic communications and advisory firm based in Doha, Qatar, that provides a focused suite of services for senior leaders navigating complex challenges in government, business, and media. The firm was founded by Justin Kerr-Stevens and officially incorporated as Northbourne Advisory Ltd in London on June 17, 2025. Its operations extend across the Gulf, Australia, and Europe, offering clients practical, locally informed advice in high-pressure environments.

Services and Specialties

Northbourne Advisory offers a range of services designed to help clients manage reputation, strategy, and stakeholder relationships. While the firm does not publicly list every service, its expertise is centered on the following areas:

• Strategy and strategic planning
• Crisis management and crisis communications
• Reputation advisory and brand positioning
• Geopolitical insight and risk assessment
• Stakeholder engagement and mapping
• Capability building and team training
• Media relations and message development
• Simulations and scenario planning

These services are tailored to support clients in both proactive and reactive situations, with a strong emphasis on clarity and actionable outcomes. Northbourne Advisory often works with organizations that face high-stakes communications challenges, such as government entities, large corporations, and non-profits operating in complex regulatory or political environments.

Who They Help

The firm primarily serves senior leaders—CEOs, government ministers, ambassadors, and board members—who require discreet, high-level counsel. Its client base spans sectors such as energy, finance, technology, and public policy, with a particular focus on organizations with a presence in the Gulf region or those seeking to expand into Middle Eastern markets. Northbourne Advisory also assists clients in Australia and Europe, reflecting its founder’s international experience. The firm’s approach is to strengthen existing client teams rather than replace them, making it a suitable partner for organizations that already have in-house communications functions but need additional strategic guidance during critical moments.

Approach and Philosophy

Northbourne Advisory differentiates itself through a practical, locally grounded methodology. The firm emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural, political, and economic context of the regions where clients operate—particularly in Qatar and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Its team combines deep regional knowledge with global best practices in crisis management and reputation advisory. A key feature of Northbourne Advisory’s work is its use of simulations and training exercises to prepare client teams for real-world scenarios, such as media crises, stakeholder disputes, or geopolitical shifts. The firm operates with a commitment to discretion, avoiding public visibility in favor of behind-the-scenes support. This approach is well-suited for clients who value confidentiality and direct, no-nonsense advice.

Location and Credentials

Northbourne Advisory is headquartered in Doha, Qatar, with additional operational reach across the Gulf, Australia, and Europe. The firm’s base in Doha positions it at the heart of a rapidly growing market for strategic communications in the Middle East. Qatar’s status as a hub for international business, energy, and diplomacy makes Doha an ideal location for a firm focused on geopolitical insight and stakeholder engagement. Northbourne Advisory was founded in 2025, making it a relatively new entrant to the market, but its founder, Justin Kerr-Stevens, brings extensive experience in high-level communications and advisory roles. The firm’s incorporation in London adds a layer of international credibility and regulatory familiarity for clients with cross-border operations.

Who Is a Good Fit for Northbourne Advisory?

Northbourne Advisory is best suited for senior leaders and organizations that face complex, high-stakes communications challenges and require discreet, strategic support. It is particularly relevant for companies and government entities operating in the Gulf region, especially those based in or working with Qatar. The firm is also a strong choice for organizations seeking to enhance their internal capabilities through training and simulations, or those navigating crises that demand a calm, experienced hand. Because of its focus on senior-level counsel and its relatively small size, Northbourne Advisory may not be the best fit for large-scale, ongoing retainer work or for clients seeking high-volume media outreach. Instead, it excels as a specialist partner for critical moments and strategic planning.