Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to Step Down After Successor Named

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said he plans to step down from his role once the company names a successor, marking the beginning of a planned leadership transition at the software giant. Narayen has served as Adobe’s chief executive since 2007 and will remain in the role until a new leader is appointed.

During his tenure, Narayen oversaw one of the most significant transformations in Adobe’s history. The company shifted from selling perpetual software licenses to a subscription-based model, launching services such as Creative Cloud and Document Cloud. The move reshaped Adobe’s revenue structure, providing more predictable recurring income and strengthening its position in the global software market.

In recent years, Narayen has also positioned Adobe for growth in the era of artificial intelligence. The company has integrated generative AI technologies, including its Firefly platform, across creative and marketing tools to enhance productivity for designers, businesses and content creators.

Investors are expected to closely watch the succession process as Adobe seeks a leader capable of continuing its strategy around AI-powered software and subscription-driven growth. The transition comes at a time when competition in creative tools and AI-enabled platforms is intensifying across the technology sector.