Adobe hands CEO job to Anil Chakravarthy in a bid to steer under-pressure software business amid AI competition

Adobe on Thursday named company insider Anil Chakravarthy as its next chief executive, handing him the task of steering the software maker through intensifying competition from artificial intelligence rivals and easing investor concerns over the technology’s disruption to its business.

Long-time CEO Shantanu Narayen, who has led Adobe for more than 18 years, will transition to the role of executive chair, the company said.

Also Read: David Wadhwani, Anil Chakravarthy or...? Adobe Looks within & outside for CEO in AI era


Chakravarthy takes over as Adobe works to strengthen its position in design and creative software as rapid advances in AI reshape the industry and draw new competitors into its traditional markets.

Adobe's shares have fallen about 18% so far this year, following a decline of more than 21% in 2025, as software stocks seen as vulnerable to an AI-driven shakeout have come under pressure.

The Photoshop maker has sought to counter those concerns by embedding AI across its product lineup. In June, Adobe raised its annual profit forecast, pointing to growing demand for its AI-powered products and tools as it seeks to maintain its lead over challengers including Figma and Canva.

Still, some analysts have remained skeptical about the longer-term impact of AI on Adobe's business.

The leadership change comes at a time of broader uncertainty at the company. Adobe also announced in June that finance chief Dan Durn would leave, with a permanent successor yet to be named.

Also Read: Firms on AI spending spree: US tech companies cut most jobs in nearly 2 years

Adobe said in March that Narayen would step down once a successor had been appointed, bringing to a close a tenure during which he helped turn flagship products including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and InDesign into household names among creative professionals worldwide.

Chakravarthy joined Adobe in January 2020 to lead its digital experience business. He later took on responsibility for improving customer interactions with Adobe, while also overseeing its global sales and customer-support operations.

Before joining Adobe, Chakravarthy served as chief executive of cloud data-management company Informatica for four years. He previously held executive positions at Symantec and VeriSign and worked at McKinsey & Co.

Chakravarthy holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from the Institute of Technology, Varanasi, India, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He currently serves on the board of FIS and has previously served on the boards of Ansys Inc. and USAA Bank.

Adobe's shares fell 1.7% in after-hours trading on Thursday.