Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to step down after successor is named

Shantanu Narayen said on Thursday he plans to step down as chief executive of Adobe once a successor is appointed, ending an 18-year run during which he transformed the company into one of the world’s largest creative software firms.

The San Jose, California–based company said Narayen will remain chairman of the board after the transition.

Adobe’s board has formed a special committee to oversee the search process and will consider both internal and external candidates.

The committee will be chaired by lead independent director Frank Calderoni.

“Shantanu’s contributions as CEO and architect of Adobe’s transformation over the past 18 years have positioned the company for success in the AI-driven era,” Calderoni said in a statement.

He added that the board was focused on selecting the right leader for the company’s next phase of growth.

Narayen will continue to serve as CEO until a successor is named to ensure a smooth leadership transition, the company said.

Narayen, who has led Adobe since 2007, oversaw the company’s shift from packaged software to a cloud-based subscription model and expanded its portfolio across creative, document and digital experience products.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella congratulated Narayen in a post on X, calling his tenure “a legendary run at Adobe”.

“What has always stood out to me is the empathy you’ve brought to the creative process and the example you’ve set as a leader. Grateful for your friendship, mentorship, and for all you’ve done for Adobe and for our industry,” Nadella wrote.

Narayen will remain chair of Adobe’s board once a new CEO takes over, the company said.