Adobe Names Anil Chakravarthy As New CEO
Adobe has named Anil Chakravarthy as its next president and chief executive officer, marking a major leadership change at the software company.
Chakravarthy will assume the role on December 1, 2026. At the same time, Shantanu Narayen will become executive chair and continue working with Chakravarthy during the transition.
The move comes as Adobe faces rapid changes across creative software and digital experiences. In particular, artificial intelligence has intensified competition and raised questions about the future of traditional software subscriptions.
Chakravarthy Set to Lead Adobe
Chakravarthy currently leads Adobe’s Customer Experience Orchestration business and worldwide field operations. He joined Adobe in January 2020 as executive vice president and general manager of its Digital Experience business.
Soon after, he also took responsibility for worldwide field operations serving enterprise customers. Then, in December 2021, Adobe promoted him to president of Digital Experience and worldwide field operations.
Under his leadership, Adobe expanded its Customer Experience Orchestration business. The company also highlighted products such as Adobe CX Enterprise, GenStudio and Brand Visibility.
Moreover, Chakravarthy helped scale Adobe Experience Platform and supported newer products such as CX Enterprise Coworker. He also championed Adobe’s acquisitions and integration of Workfront and Semrush.
Before Adobe, Chakravarthy served as chief executive of Informatica for four years. Earlier, he held executive positions at Symantec, VeriSign and McKinsey & Company.
Chakravarthy holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the Institute of Technology, Varanasi. He also earned an M.S. and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Narayen’s 18-Year Tenure Ends
Narayen has led Adobe as CEO for more than 18 years. During that period, he helped transform the company and expand products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and InDesign.
Now, Narayen will move into the executive chair role. Therefore, he will remain closely involved while Adobe prepares for the leadership handover.
“Adobe’s opportunity ahead is limitless with our track record in creating new market categories and world-class products. Anil is an experienced transformational leader who leads with values, integrity and a deep knowledge of our business. He has a proven record of building and delivering category-defining products that serve our broad range of customers,” said Narayen.
“I could not be more confident that Anil is the right person to lead Adobe’s growth in an AI-driven era and look forward to working closely with him in my new role as executive chair.”
Meanwhile, Chakravarthy said he intends to focus on Adobe’s next phase of growth and its development of agentic software.
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead Adobe during this pivotal moment. I’m energized by the opportunity to fuel growth and drive Adobe’s leadership in the next era of agentic software for creativity, productivity and customer experience. Adobe has a history of building the future not just through our technology, but through our people and our commitment to customers.
Thanks to Shantanu’s exceptional leadership in transforming Adobe’s business model over the decades, we are well positioned to achieve Adobe’s next chapter of growth. I want to thank the Board for the confidence they’ve placed in me. I look forward to working closely with our employees, Shantanu and the Board of Directors to continue serving our customers and transforming Adobe in the era of AI.”
AI Competition Raises Stakes
The leadership change arrives as Adobe works to defend its position amid accelerating AI adoption. Generative AI has introduced new competitors and created pressure across the broader software industry.
Adobe has responded by integrating AI across its creative, productivity and customer experience products. However, investors remain focused on whether those tools can sustain demand as AI reshapes software workflows.
Adobe shares have also faced pressure. Reuters reported that the stock had fallen about 18% in 2026, following a decline of more than 21% in 2025. Shares dropped 1.7% in after-hours trading following the leadership announcement.
Still, Adobe raised its annual profit forecast in June, citing growing demand for its AI products and tools. Consequently, Chakravarthy will take over with a clear mandate to extend Adobe’s AI strategy while maintaining its core software businesses.
The board unanimously selected Chakravarthy following a formal selection process. Furthermore, his experience inside Adobe gives the company an executive familiar with its products, enterprise customers and expanding AI strategy.
The transition will become official on December 1, 2026. Until then, Narayen will remain CEO, while Adobe prepares for Chakravarthy to assume the company’s top executive role.
