Rapid7 appoints Wael Mohamed as CEO to lead AI-SOC expansion
Rapid7 has named Wael Mohamed as chief executive, effective immediately, while longtime CEO Corey Thomas moves to executive chairman. The change positions the cybersecurity firm to capitalize on demand for AI-powered security operations as organizations integrate managed detection and response, exposure management, and artificial intelligence into their defenses.
Mohamed brings 30 years of cybersecurity and technology leadership experience. He founded Global Forward Capital, an investment firm focused on cybersecurity, and previously served as CEO of Forescout, where he led two strategic acquisitions. He spent more than a decade at Trend Micro, eventually serving as president, chief operating officer, and board member.
Thomas, who has led Rapid7 since 2012 and took it public, said Mohamed became a trusted adviser after joining the board last year. "He has built and transformed cyber security companies, balancing precise execution with strategic investment," Thomas said.
Under the new structure, Mohamed will handle day-to-day operations and growth initiatives. Thomas remains involved in shaping technology vision, AI strategy, and public policy as executive chairman.
Mohamed said the company has "the customers, technology, leadership, and talent to own the AI-SOC market." He plans to focus resources on core businesses where Rapid7 performs strongest.
Rapid7 reaffirmed financial guidance for the second quarter and full-year 2026, signaling confidence in its strategy as competition intensifies in the AI cybersecurity market.
For executives evaluating AI strategy and implementation, understanding how security leaders are adopting AI-powered operations offers practical insights. AI for Executives & Strategy covers how organizations structure AI initiatives, while AI Learning Path for CTOs addresses technology infrastructure decisions that underpin AI-SOC deployments.
Your membership also unlocks:
