Adobe has named Anil Chakravarthy as its next president and CEO, marking a major leadership change for the software company. Chakravarthy will replace longtime CEO Shantanu Narayen, who announced earlier this year that he would step down after 18 years leading the company.
The leadership transition is expected to begin on December 1, 2026. Narayen will move into the role of executive chair and will work closely with Chakravarthy during the transition.
Anil Chakravarthy to Lead Adobe
Anil Chakravarthy has been with Adobe for nearly seven years. He most recently served as president of the company’s customer experience orchestration and worldwide field operations business.
Before joining Adobe, Chakravarthy was the CEO of Informatica, an enterprise data management company. His previous experience in technology and business leadership is expected to play an important role as Adobe enters a new phase.
Chakravarthy will also join Adobe’s board as part of the leadership change.
Narayen praised Chakravarthy’s experience and knowledge of Adobe, saying that the company has a strong opportunity ahead with its products and history of creating new markets.
Shantanu Narayen Moves to Executive Chair
Shantanu Narayen joined Adobe in 1998 and became CEO in 2007. During his long tenure, Adobe transformed from a company best known for desktop creative software into a major cloud-based software business.
His move to executive chair means he will remain closely connected to Adobe while allowing Chakravarthy to take responsibility for the company’s day-to-day leadership.
The change comes at an important time for Adobe as the software industry faces major disruption from artificial intelligence.
Adobe Faces Growing AI Pressure
Adobe’s leadership transition comes as investors remain concerned about the impact of AI on traditional software companies. Adobe shares have faced significant pressure in recent years.
| Year | Adobe Stock Performance |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Down 25% |
| 2025 | Down 21% |
| 2026 so far | Down 18% |
The decline reflects broader concerns about how quickly AI tools could change creative, productivity and business software.
Adobe has already added AI features across products such as Photoshop and other Creative Cloud applications. Under Chakravarthy, the company will need to show that AI can strengthen its products and create new business opportunities rather than threaten its existing model.
David Wadhwani Also Leaves Adobe
The CEO announcement also came with another major executive departure. David Wadhwani, who led Adobe’s creativity and productivity business for almost five years, announced that he would leave the company.
Wadhwani had been viewed as a potential candidate for Adobe’s top job. He also played an important role in Adobe’s attempted acquisition of Figma. That deal was eventually abandoned in 2023 after facing regulatory challenges.
Wadhwani said he plans to explore new business ideas as he begins his next chapter.
What Comes Next for Adobe?
The appointment of Adobe CEO Anil Chakravarthy comes at a critical moment for the company. Adobe needs to balance its successful software business with the rapid growth of AI.
Chakravarthy’s experience inside and outside Adobe could help the company navigate this transition. Investors and customers will now be watching closely to see how the new CEO shapes Adobe’s AI strategy, products and future growth.
For Adobe, this is more than a change at the top. It could mark the beginning of a new era for one of the world’s most recognized software companies.
