Wael Mohamed takes the helm of Rapid7

The announcement follows a broader leadership revamp and AI strategy overhaul

Rapid7 has appointed Wael Mohamed as CEO with immediate effect, replacing Corey Thomas, who will become executive chairman of the board.

Mohamed joined Rapid7’s board in April 2025 and brings more than 30 years of cybersecurity experience.

He is the founder of cybersecurity-focused investment firm Global Forward Capital and previously served as CEO of Forescout, where he oversaw two acquisitions.

Prior to that, he spent nearly 11 years at Trend Micro, ultimately serving as president, COO and board member.

Thomas, who led Rapid7 for more than 13 years, will reportedly remain involved in the company’s technology vision, AI strategy and cyber policy initiatives as executive chairman.

The move comes as Rapid7 intends to double down on its AI-enabled security operations strategy.

The vendor said customers and analysts have increasingly validated its approach of combining MDR and exposure management capabilities within AI-driven security operations.

In March, the company took over AI security platform Kenzo, which it described as a key step in its ambition to become a leader in the AI-SOC market.

“I join Rapid7 with gratitude, confidence and excitement,” said Mohamed.

“We have the customers, technology, leadership and talent to own the AI-SOC market.

“I am committed to driving focus on the core businesses where Rapid7 is excellent and honing all of our resources and effort into the success of that vision.”

Thomas added: “[Mohamed] has built and transformed cybersecurity companies, balancing precise execution with strategic investment and his leadership will help customers see the benefit of Rapid7’s vision faster.”

The leadership change follows a broader revamp of the organisation’s exec team over the past 12 months.

The firm hired Rafe Brown as CFO in December.

In September, it named Allan Peters chief commercial officer and promoted Julian Waits to chief experience officer.

In July, it named Brian Castagna chief security officer.

Earlier this year, the company also appointed former Aisera exec Dan Deklich as chief product and technology officer.

The move also comes after Rapid7 reported flatlining FY25 results, with revenue spiking two per cent year-on-year to $860m (£638.4m).

In Q1 FY26, top line dipped 0.3 per cent to $210m.

Rapid7 has also recently updated its channel strategy, as it announced changes to its PACT programme in March to boost its focus on partner profitability.