Rapid7 Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rapid7 has 5 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, people, and regional strategy.

Driven by a commitment to cybersecurity innovation, Rapid7 empowers organizations to proactively manage digital threats and reduce risk across their critical assets.

Leadership Roles at Rapid7

  • 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
  • Vipul Katarnaware - Founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Vipul Katarnaware, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Rapid7, directs the company's operational framework and ensures the efficient delivery of cybersecurity solutions. Katarnaware oversees the execution of strategies for vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response, focusing on scaling operations to meet global demand. This leadership position involves optimizing internal processes to support Rapid7's mission of helping organizations identify, manage, and respond to digital threats effectively. By driving operational excellence, Vipul Katarnaware ensures that the company's software and services empower security teams to protect critical digital assets. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on efficiency directly supports Rapid7's commitment to innovation and market leadership in exposure management.

    Rajkumar Shanmuganathan - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

    Rajkumar Shanmuganathan, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at Rapid7, architects the company's technological vision and drives innovation in cybersecurity solutions. Overseeing the development of software for vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response, Shanmuganathan ensures Rapid7's offerings remain at the forefront of combating digital threats. This leadership role involves guiding research and development efforts to address evolving security challenges and protect critical digital assets globally. By fostering a culture of open-source research, Rajkumar Shanmuganathan enables the creation of advanced tools that empower security teams to effectively manage and respond to cyber risks. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic direction directly impacts the company's ability to deliver cutting-edge exposure management capabilities.
    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. This critical role involves translating Rapid7's global cybersecurity solutions into actionable strategies tailored for the Japanese market, focusing on vulnerability management and threat detection. Furukawa drives the adoption of exposure management technologies by collaborating closely with local security teams to address their unique challenges. The Field Chief Technology Officer ensures that Rapid7's innovative software and services effectively protect critical digital assets within Japan's dynamic business landscape. Katsuya Furukawa's leadership strengthens Rapid7's presence and impact in a key international market, fostering robust cybersecurity postures.

    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. This multifaceted role involves enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring seamless execution of the company's mission to manage and respond to digital threats. Arsenault collaborates with executive leadership to align departmental objectives with Rapid7's overarching goals in cybersecurity innovation. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include streamlining processes, facilitating cross-functional communication, and supporting the Chief Executive Officer's strategic priorities. By optimizing internal operations, Grace Arsenault contributes significantly to the company's ability to deliver effective vulnerability management and threat detection solutions globally.

    Kathryn Kulikoski - Chief People Officer

    Kathryn Kulikoski, the Chief People Officer at Rapid7, shapes the company's talent strategy and cultivates a high-performance culture essential for cybersecurity innovation. Kulikoski leads initiatives focused on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, ensuring Rapid7's workforce is equipped to address complex digital threats. This executive role involves fostering an environment that supports the company's mission of empowering security teams to manage and respond to cyber risks effectively. By prioritizing employee engagement and professional growth, Kathryn Kulikoski directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions in vulnerability management and threat detection. The Chief People Officer's strategic approach to human capital management is vital for maintaining Rapid7's competitive edge and protecting critical digital assets globally.
    Kathryn Kulikoski

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rapid7 Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rapid7?
    Rapid7 is led by Vipul Katarnaware (Founder & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Rajkumar Shanmuganathan (Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer) and Katsuya Furukawa (Acting Managing Director and Field Chief Technology Officer, Japan - Rapid7).
    Who is part of Rapid7’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rapid7 includes leaders such as Vipul Katarnaware (Founder & Chief Operating Officer), Rajkumar Shanmuganathan (Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer), Katsuya Furukawa (Acting Managing Director and Field Chief Technology Officer, Japan - Rapid7) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rapid7 have?
    Rapid7 has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rapid7’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rapid7 includes roles such as 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, Chief People Officer.