Adobe has named Anil Chakravarthy as its next President and CEO, marking a leadership transition at the software company as it navigates growing concerns around artificial intelligence and its impact on the software industry.
Anil, who currently serves as President of Adobe’s Customer Experience Orchestration and Worldwide Field Operations, will assume the role on December 1 and join Adobe’s board.
Shantanu Narayen, who joined Adobe in 1998 and has led the company for 18 years, will step down as CEO and become Executive Chair. He will work closely with Anil during the transition.
“Adobe’s opportunity ahead is limitless with our track record in creating new market categories and world-class products,” Narayen said. “Anil is an experienced transformational leader who leads with values, integrity and a deep knowledge of our business.”
Anil joined Adobe nearly 7 years ago after serving as CEO of enterprise data management company Informatica. He had previously worked with Adobe through its partnership with Informatica.
“A lot of the reason I came was the opportunity to work with him and work with the leadership team at Adobe,” Anil said in a 2021 interview.
The leadership change comes as Adobe faces investor concerns over AI-driven disruption in the software industry. After strong growth in 2023, Adobe shares declined 25% in 2024 and another 21% in 2025. The stock is down 18% so far in 2026, while shares fell about 2% in extended trading following the announcement.
Meanwhile, senior executive David Wadhwani will leave Adobe. He has led the company’s Creativity and Productivity business for nearly 5 years and was previously considered a strong contender for the CEO role. He also played a key role in Adobe’s proposed acquisition of Figma, which was called off in 2023 following regulatory hurdles.
Wadhwani said he plans to “explore and pressure-test” a few company ideas as he begins his next chapter.
“As much as Adobe means to me, I’ve decided this is the right moment for me to start a new chapter, and it’s a great moment for Adobe to do the same as Anil steps into the CEO role,” Wadhwani wrote.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.