About us

Neon River is an executive search firm focused on technology and games leadership hiring.

We partner with investors, founders, and senior operators to build leadership teams that support growth, transformation, and long-term performance across software, platform, and interactive entertainment businesses.

Partner-led delivery • International search capability • Sector specialists since 2004

Specialist focus

Deep sector expertise

We focus on software, internet, AI, and games companies. Our work centres on important leadership roles where domain understanding materially improves hiring outcomes.

Delivery model

Partner-led execution

Every search is led directly by experienced headhunters. We prioritise clarity, honest advice, and disciplined search processes rather than volume-driven recruitment models.

Global reach

International candidate networks

We regularly deliver cross-border leadership hires across Europe, North America, and emerging technology hubs, working with venture, private equity, and corporate clients.

Peter Franks

Peter Franks

Founder & Partner

Peter has specialised in executive search for technology companies since 2004. He focuses on leadership hiring across software, games, internet, and broader technology businesses, supporting venture-backed, private equity-backed, and corporate clients internationally.

His work spans product, engineering, commercial, and general management leadership. Peter is known for combining deep sector knowledge with hands-on delivery and long-term client partnerships.

He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE).

Yui Tachibana

Yui Tachibana

Research & Delivery

Yui supports search execution across market mapping, candidate research, and project delivery. She plays a central role in identifying and engaging senior leadership candidates across global software, games, and technology markets.

Prior to joining Neon River, Yui worked at EY, where she developed strong analytical and research capabilities across complex professional services environments. Her background helps ensure searches are supported by rigorous market intelligence and structured candidate evaluation.

She holds a degree in Comparative Politics from University College London and brings a strong cross-cultural perspective to executive search delivery.

Testimonials

Trusted by founders, investors, and leadership teams

Client feedback from leadership searches delivered across software, technology, and games.

Client testimonial - executive search
Montagu Private Equity
“One of the best recruiters on the market”

We partnered with Peter on a Chief Product Officer search within our software portfolio. He was consistently professional, well prepared, and highly knowledgeable on both the market and the candidates presented. He assessed profiles carefully against the brief and kept bringing strong options right up until we secured our preferred candidate.

I’ve since recommended Peter across our wider portfolio, and I’m confident we’ll work together again.

Portfolio talent PE-backed software CPO search
Oliver Wale - Portfolio Talent Principal, Montagu Private Equity
Miniclip
“One of the very best executive search firms”

At Miniclip, we’ve worked with Peter and Neon River on several important hires over the years, and we’ve always been very happy with the experience. I’d recommend Neon River as one of the very best executive search firms in the market.

Games Leadership hiring Long-term partner
Rob Small - President and Co-Founder, Miniclip
Miniclip - mobile games
Star Stable - leadership hiring
Star Stable Entertainment
“Our go-to solution for critical hires”

Over the last few years, Neon River has become our go-to solution for critical hires. They’ve been instrumental in sourcing our CFO/COO, CMO, and Design Director. They consistently provide a strong set of candidates to choose from, making each process a delight.

Games Leadership team Repeat partner
Johan Sjoberg - CEO, Star Stable Entertainment
Discover more

Insights, guides, and leadership research

A few high-signal pieces from across executive search, leadership hiring, and market intelligence.