2023 Global Leaders in Consulting: Jenna Riffell

Jenna Riffell is a Managing Partner with Kx Advisors, based in London, UK, where she leads Kx's European practice.

Jenna has advised Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and biotech companies on growth strategy across the value chain. She specializes in pharma/biotech, health IT and medical devices, with particular expertise in dermatology, ophthalmology, rare diseases and oncology. Her work includes portfolio strategy, geographic expansion strategy, commercial due diligence, strategic marketing and launch planning.

Jenna holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a BScH, Combined Honours in Chemistry and Biochemistry, from the University of British Columbia. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, before moving into consulting via boutique life science consultancies prior to joining Kx Advisors in 2015.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Building Kx Advisors' European business has been uniquely challenging and rewarding; I can't call it an achievement, because I'm not finished yet! Developing the client relationships that I value so much, and the truly excellent team that I work with, have been the greatest rewards and achievements that I've had. In the last five years, Kx Advisors has grown from a couple of clients and a couple of team members in Europe, to a healthy business with a strong team, and that's what I'm most proud of.

What advice would you give a professional just beginning a career in consulting?

Find what truly motivates you, and work toward that. I made a career move into consulting because I wanted to solve big problems for companies that strive to improve patient outcomes, and to be a part of that journey. Focus on what drives you, and don't try to do everything, because one person can't be an expert in every area, which is why it's also important to build a network of excellent people you can refer clients to.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

Undoubtedly, the people I've worked with. I genuinely enjoy working with all of my clients and the Kx Advisors team. I value having fun at work, and they're what's made that possible for me.

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received

This wasn't exactly advice, but my high school AP chemistry teacher told me that he didn't think I had time to be successful in AP chemistry, which was offered as an extra class after school, because I had so many other commitments between classes and extra-curricular activities. I took that as a challenge and took great pleasure in proving him wrong, so I suppose you could say that I learned that I can meet my own expectations, regardless of detractors, and change others' expectations of me.

What does being honored as a Global Leader mean to you?

Being honoured as a Global Leader is highly valued recognition for the principle that I already uphold every day that of consulting being a service business and a people business, where building relationships with my clients and being able to help them succeed in the challenging health care & life sciences environment is what matters.