Xiao Guo
About Xiao Guo
Xiao Guo serves as the CEO of ThoughtWorks, a position he has held since 2013. He has a background in chemistry and extensive experience in the technology sector, having played a key role in expanding ThoughtWorks' business in China and leading a global team of over 7,000 employees.
Work at ThoughtWorks
Xiao Guo has served as the CEO of ThoughtWorks since 2013, leading the company from its headquarters in Chicago, USA. His tenure has seen significant growth, overseeing the expansion of ThoughtWorks to over 7,000 employees across 43 offices in 14 countries. Guo initially joined ThoughtWorks in 1999 as an Agile Software Developer and later became the Managing Director in Beijing from 2007 to 2013. He played a key role in establishing ThoughtWorks' business in China, which has developed into one of the company's largest markets. Under his leadership, the company doubled in size during a period marked by substantial economic changes.
Education and Expertise
Xiao Guo holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Peking University, where he studied from 1991 to 1996. He furthered his education at Northwestern University, earning a Master of Science in Chemistry from 1996 to 1998. In 2006, he completed the Executive Development Program (EDP) at the Kellogg School of Management, which lasted for 11 months. His educational background supports his expertise in both technical and management domains, contributing to his leadership role at ThoughtWorks.
Achievements
Xiao Guo co-authored 'The Digital Transformation Game Plan' alongside Gary O’Brien and Mike Mason, published in 2019. This work reflects his insights into digital transformation strategies. He has been recognized in The Economist for his early adoption of Extreme Programming (XP) at the age of 27, highlighting his innovative approach within the software development field. Guo's leadership has been instrumental in transitioning ThoughtWorks from a founder-led company to a private equity-backed organization.
Background
Xiao Guo began his career at ThoughtWorks in 1999, initially working as an Agile Software Developer. He transitioned to the role of Managing Director in Beijing from 2007 to 2013 before becoming CEO. His experience spans over two decades in the technology and consulting sectors, with a focus on agile methodologies and digital transformation. Guo's international experience includes significant contributions to ThoughtWorks' growth in both the United States and China.