Rapid7 Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rapid7 has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, technology, regional management, people, and strategy.

Driven by a commitment to cybersecurity innovation, Rapid7 empowers security teams to proactively manage digital threats and reduce risk across global digital assets through advanced software and services.

Leadership Roles at Rapid7

  • Chief Financial Officer - Rafe Brown
  • Founder & Chief Operating Officer - Vipul Katarnaware
  • Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer - Rajkumar Shanmuganathan
  • Acting Managing Director and Field Chief Technology Officer, Japan - Rapid7 - Katsuya Furukawa
  • Senior Director, OCEO and Chief of Staff - Grace Arsenault
  • Chief People Officer - Kathryn Kulikoski
  • Rafe Brown - Chief Financial Officer

    Rafe Brown, the Chief Financial Officer at Rapid7, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Brown oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal health and resource allocation to support the company's growth objectives in the cybersecurity sector. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and capital markets activities, aligning financial strategies with the company's mission to help organizations identify, manage, and respond to digital threats. By optimizing financial performance and driving operational efficiencies, Rafe Brown directly contributes to Rapid7's market position and its ability to deliver innovative solutions for vulnerability management and threat detection globally. Brown's financial acumen is critical for sustaining the company's expansion and its commitment to empowering security teams worldwide.
    Rafe Brown

    Vipul Katarnaware - Founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Vipul Katarnaware, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Rapid7, architects and executes the company's operational strategies. Katarnaware oversees day-to-day business functions, ensuring seamless delivery of cybersecurity software and services that help organizations manage and respond to digital threats. This role involves optimizing internal processes, driving operational efficiency, and scaling the company's infrastructure to support global demand for vulnerability management and incident response solutions. By fostering cross-functional collaboration and implementing best practices, Vipul Katarnaware ensures that Rapid7's commitment to innovation and open-source research translates into tangible value for security teams worldwide. Katarnaware's operational leadership is fundamental to the company's ability to protect critical digital assets and reduce risk for its clients.

    Rajkumar Shanmuganathan - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

    Rajkumar Shanmuganathan, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at Rapid7, drives the technological vision and innovation strategy for the company's cybersecurity solutions. Shanmuganathan leads the research and development efforts, focusing on creating advanced software for vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response. This position involves guiding the engineering teams to build scalable and effective platforms that empower security professionals to protect critical digital assets. By championing open-source research and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Rajkumar Shanmuganathan ensures Rapid7 remains at the forefront of cybersecurity technology. Shanmuganathan's technical leadership is essential for developing solutions that address the evolving landscape of digital threats and reduce risk for organizations globally.
    Rajkumar Shanmuganathan

    Katsuya Furukawa - Acting Managing Director and Field Chief Technology Officer, Japan - Rapid7

    Katsuya Furukawa, the Acting Managing Director and Field Chief Technology Officer, Japan - Rapid7 at Rapid7, spearheads technological strategy and market engagement within the Japanese region. Furukawa directs the implementation of Rapid7's cybersecurity solutions, ensuring they effectively address local digital threats and compliance requirements. This role involves bridging the gap between global technology development and regional market needs, providing expert technical guidance to clients and partners. By focusing on the specific challenges faced by Japanese organizations, Katsuya Furukawa enhances the company's ability to deliver vulnerability management and threat detection services. Furukawa's leadership ensures that Rapid7's commitment to reducing risk and protecting digital assets is effectively realized across Japan.

    Grace Arsenault - Senior Director, OCEO and Chief of Staff

    Grace Arsenault, the Senior Director, OCEO and Chief of Staff at Rapid7, provides strategic operational support and drives key initiatives across the organization. Arsenault works closely with executive leadership to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the execution of company-wide strategies, particularly in areas related to cybersecurity software and services. This role involves managing critical projects, optimizing internal communications, and ensuring alignment between departmental objectives and the company's mission to help organizations manage and respond to digital threats. By streamlining operations and fostering effective collaboration, Grace Arsenault contributes significantly to Rapid7's ability to innovate and protect critical digital assets globally. Arsenault's support is vital for the company's sustained growth and its commitment to empowering security teams.

    Kathryn Kulikoski - Chief People Officer

    Kathryn Kulikoski, the Chief People Officer at Rapid7, directs the company's human capital strategy, fostering a culture that supports innovation and employee development in the cybersecurity field. Kulikoski oversees talent acquisition, retention, and organizational development, ensuring Rapid7 attracts and retains top talent essential for creating advanced vulnerability management and threat detection solutions. This leadership position involves cultivating an environment where security teams feel empowered and equipped to protect critical digital assets. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional growth, Kathryn Kulikoski strengthens the company's capacity to respond to evolving digital threats and reduce risk globally. Kulikoski's focus on people is integral to Rapid7's mission and its long-term success.
    Kathryn Kulikoski

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rapid7 Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rapid7?
    Rapid7 is led by Rafe Brown (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Vipul Katarnaware (Founder & Chief Operating Officer) and Rajkumar Shanmuganathan (Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Rapid7’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rapid7 includes leaders such as Rafe Brown (Chief Financial Officer), Vipul Katarnaware (Founder & Chief Operating Officer), Rajkumar Shanmuganathan (Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rapid7 have?
    Rapid7 has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rapid7’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rapid7 includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Acting Managing Director and Field Chief Technology Officer, Japan - Rapid7, Senior Director, OCEO and Chief of Staff.