Methodology
A curated editorial selection across venture backed, PE backed and public companies. We feature leaders from standout software and AI companies across Europe. Many companies are venture capital and private equity backed.
Third edition • Top 30 CTOs in EMEA 2025
Top 30 CTOs in EMEA 2025
Celebrating technology leaders shaping product, platform and teams in EMEA – from enterprise software and data platforms to a new wave of AI native companies.
Welcome to the third edition of Top 30 CTOs in EMEA. Each year we recognise technology leaders who combine engineering excellence with product vision and the ability to scale organisations. In 2025, the story of software is closely linked to AI – both AI native startups and established companies building AI into their core products. This edition highlights many of the CTOs driving that shift.
Our scope
EMEA focused CTOs spanning enterprise SaaS, data platforms, developer tooling, fintech infrastructure and AI/ML platforms. Many outstanding CTOs across EMEA are equally deserving of recognition.
We are grateful to the many founders, investors and operators who contributed nominations and context. Any list like this can never capture every outstanding leader – but we hope it shines a light on a representative set of CTOs moving technology forward across EMEA, the US and Asia.
About Neon River
Neon River is an executive search firm for the software, technology and AI sectors.
We have deep experience hiring CTOs and VPs of Engineering for growth companies and established leaders across EMEA and beyond.
Deep hiring experience
Two decades placing CTOs, VPs of Engineering and senior platform leaders who ship at scale and build high performance teams.
Software, tech and AI focus
Enterprise SaaS, data platforms, developer tooling and AI infrastructure – we know the architectures, org models and talent market.
Partner led with international reach
Every search is run by a senior partner, supported by rigorous research and a trusted network across EMEA, the US and Asia.
Hiring a CTO or VP Engineering?
We run partner-led searches for software, app and AI-native companies. Rigorous research, international reach, and a deep track record of high quality placements.