Thoughtworks announced the selection of Rachel Laycock as its next chief technology officer (CTO). As CTO, Laycock will play a key leadership role in the continued development and communication of Thoughtworks' technology strategy and vision. Laycock will report to Thoughtworks' president and chief executive officer, Guo Xiao.

Laycock, previously the global managing director for the Enterprise Modernization, Platforms and Cloud (EMPC) service line, succeeds Dr. Rebecca Parsons who has served as CTO for 16 years and has co-authored a number of books. Dr. Parsons will become Thoughtworks' first-ever CTO emerita, honoring her extraordinary impact on the company during her tenure and signifying the advisory role she will play moving forward, including continuing to speak externally and write on speeding the adoption of emerging technologies and its positive impact on society. This planned transition augments the company's technology strategy and leadership capacity to ensure the company stay ahead of the fast-changing technology landscape.

Laycock has been with Thoughtworks for more than a decade, beginning as a developer and working with clients across the globe on increasingly complex business challenges. Before leading the EMPC service line, she was head of technology for North America, and has also worked with Rebecca and the team on creating Technology Radar.