The core Team
plus many others.
At River, we understand the transformative power of strategic thinking, great design, and tech innovation.
We believe that these elements play a crucial role in propelling start-ups, progressive brands, and forward-thinking clients towards achieving their commercial objectives.
Through careful observation and thorough research, we identify innovative products and services that have the potential to disrupt industries and drive growth. Our team of experts then works diligently to enhance these offerings, ensuring they are optimized for success and resonate with target audiences.
Sean Rafter
CEO
A former professional sportsman, Sean leads the sharp end of River’s business development and broader commercial directive.
A conceptual thinker and serial entrepreneur, he places a strong emphasis on design excellence, scrupulous attention to detail and a collaborative approach toward the development of the best possible outcomes.
A staunch believer in assisting fresh, up-and-coming talent Sean also advises and mentors entrepreneurs on the formative stages of their journey towards success.
Mark Headley
Strategy Lead
After beginning his career in a major City law firm, Mark moved into his first strategy role in a dot.com in 1999.
Mark is endlessly fascinated by the confluence of brand, business and product development strategy and his unique holistic approach has led to multiple exits, liquidity events and award wins for founders and investors.
Mark’s clients have included Sainsbury’s, The Guardian, C4, Robbie Williams and many tech start ups in a variety of sectors.
Stephen Taylor
Creative Lead
After graduating from Kingston University, Stephen has worked in the design industry since 1999.
After years of progressing his trade with various top design agencies, he has worked for clients like Phaidon, Warburgs, European Bank and Siemens.
Firmly believing design can solve any problem, Stephen’s clients have been won through his love of the craft. His real skill is listening, and then interpreting their communication requirements intelligently – before applying the relevant creativity.
Anton Baryshevskiy
Head of Technology
Having graduated from Dnipro National University, Ukraine, with a Master's Degree in Computer Science, Anton co-founded a highly successful software development digital agency with strong commercial links in both European and American markets.
As head of Tech, he leads River’s digital innovation team, analysing, testing, and formulating product requirements from the MVP stage to full product development and launch.
Anton strongly believes that each idea can be validated via a product development approach which is based on making data-driven decisions.