InX spotlight series: In conversation with Jack Porter
At InX, exceptional results are delivered by exceptional people. Our team combines deep specialist knowledge, market intelligence and a relentless focus on quality. This spotlight series offers insight into the people behind our practice, exploring how they navigate the executive search landscape and what drives them beyond the office.
We sat down with Jack Porter to discuss his approach to executive hiring in professional services, the evolving role of leadership in an increasingly tech-driven landscape and his journey from insurance sales to trusted adviser for some of the world's leading professional services firms.
Firstly, could you provide an overview of your role and area of specialism at InX?
I work within our professional services team in our London office, specialising in Director and Partner level hiring across the UK. I joined InX in April 2025 with over nine years of recruitment experience, most recently leading the sustainability consultancy practice at a global sustainability boutique firm.
Throughout my career, I've delivered senior mandates across professional services, including consultancies, banks, insurers, legal and accountancy firms. I've supported large corporates, Big Four advisory firms and specialist SMEs, with particular expertise in consulting, search, team builds, account management and managing long-term client relationships.
What interesting trends are you noticing in your market?
One of the most significant shifts I'm seeing is private equity investing heavily in professional services firms. This is creating substantial revenue opportunities and fundamentally changing how these organisations operate. Additionally, technology is no longer being siloed — it's now placed at the heart of business decisions, which is transforming how firms approach their strategic challenges.
What's particularly interesting is the changing expectations around senior leadership. There's much greater reliance on senior leaders to play an active part in delivery, not just sales and business development. The traditional model of leaders focused solely on winning work is evolving — clients want leaders who can both secure new business and deliver exceptional outcomes.
Can you share an example of a particularly complex or rewarding mandate you've delivered? What made it memorable?
Last year, I worked on an acquisition that really demonstrated the evolving role of executive search firms. A PE-backed professional services practice was looking to grow its advisory function and invested in a data and tech consultancy to enhance their technology and delivery capability.
What made this memorable was that it showed how executive search firms can partner with organisations beyond traditional hiring. We added value far more quickly, effectively and cost-efficiently than other firms. It was a win for everyone involved and highlighted that InX’s role extends well beyond simply filling positions – we're strategic partners in business transformation.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
Don't sweat the small stuff! This advice has served me well throughout my career. I'm currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, which is full of practical tips that align with this philosophy – focusing on what truly matters and building sustainable practices.
Outside of work, what might people be surprised to learn about you?
I didn't go to university. I started working in sales in the insurance industry, which was a slightly unconventional route to where I am now. I learned by immersing myself in events and absorbing the academic aspects through conversations with people and practical experience, which taught me that there are many paths to becoming an expert.
I'm also Welsh – although that's not very surprising as my accent is a bit of a giveaway!
Get in touch with the InX Professional Services team
Whether you're a senior leader exploring your next move or an organisation seeking to strengthen leadership at Partner and Director level, connect with our team to discuss how we can help.