When Toshiyuki Matsuda decided to join Rapid7, it wasn’t just about taking on a new leadership role. It was about recognizing an inflection point in the Japan cybersecurity market.

“Right now, much of the market is focused on protection and protection only,” he explains. “But Rapid7’s platform enables customers to go beyond that, bringing together increased IT asset visibility, Managed Detection and Response (MDR), risk assessment, threat intelligence, and prioritization of countermeasures. Helping customers build a more complete and proactive security program is where the real opportunity lies for us.”

This commitment is rooted in a core philosophy, which Matsuda summarized as follows: "We believe that security is not merely about defense—it is a force for building trust in society. At Rapid7, we are committed to delivering value that goes far beyond expectations, supporting our customers’ business continuity and brand integrity at the very foundation."

Matsuda played a key role in the launch of SecureWorks Japan, where he spent approximately 13 years leading security advisory services and market development. At Microsoft Japan and Dell Technologies, he worked as an engineer specializing in cloud, virtualization, and cybersecurity. He also brings extensive experience in business strategy and M&A support at consulting firms, enabling him to drive corporate transformation from both IT and business perspectives.

“I’ve always enjoyed working at the intersection of technology and customer growth,” he shares. “Rapid7 fits perfectly with that passion. There’s incredible potential here to help our customers confidently scale their security posture.”

For Matsuda, success in Japan starts with building a team that truly understands “why Rapid7.” The brand is still gaining visibility in the region, and educating the market about what makes Rapid7 different will be a key focus.

“Our team needs to be empowered to both tell our story, and listen to our customers,” he says. “Every organization’s challenges come down to people, process, and technology. Understanding that balance, and where our products can help them achieve their goals, is critical.”

When asked about Rapid7’s culture, Matsuda points to a combination of teamwork, curiosity, and continuous learning.

“The culture here is truly special,” he notes. “We bring together people who are curious, collaborative, and passionate about solving customer challenges. You really feel that energy from day one.”

As Matsuda builds the foundation for Rapid7’s next phase of growth in Japan, he is looking for sales professionals who embody that same mindset, balancing technical expertise with empathy and communication.