Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Adobe Names Anil Chakravarthy CEO Amid AI Concerns
Adobe makes popular programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and InDesign.
The company chose Anil Chakravarthy to become its next leader.
He will take over from Shantanu Narayen on December 1, 2026.
Narayen will become executive chairman and help Chakravarthy during the change.
Chakravarthy joined Adobe in 2020 after leading Informatica.
He has managed Adobe businesses involving customer experiences, sales and AI tools.
Adobe is adding artificial intelligence to many of its products.
Some investors are encouraged by demand for these tools, while others worry that AI could disrupt Adobe's software business.
Adobe named Anil Chakravarthy president and CEO, succeeding Shantanu Narayen on December 1, 2026.
Narayen will become executive chairman and work with Chakravarthy during the leadership transition.
Chakravarthy joined Adobe in January 2020 after serving as CEO of cloud data-management company Informatica.
He studied computer science at IIT Varanasi and earned a master's degree and Ph.D. from MIT.
Adobe shares fell about 1.7% to 2% in extended trading as investors weighed AI-related risks.
- Who
- Adobe, Anil Chakravarthy and Shantanu Narayen.
- What
- Adobe appointed Chakravarthy president and CEO, while Narayen will become executive chairman.
- When
- The announcement was made on September 3, and Chakravarthy will take the position on December 1, 2026.
- Where
- Adobe is headquartered in California; Chakravarthy studied at IIT Varanasi in India and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.
- Why
- Narayen plans to step down after a successor was identified, while Adobe is navigating AI-driven changes and investor concerns.
Adobe's AI Growth Case
Investor Concerns
AI-powered products
Adobe's AI Growth Case
Adobe has embedded generative AI across its product suite and raised its full-year profit outlook, citing momentum and demand for AI-powered features.
Investor Concerns
Analysts and investors remain concerned that rapid AI advances could disrupt Adobe's software business and weaken its long-term business model.
Chakravarthy's leadership
Adobe's AI Growth Case
Adobe describes Chakravarthy as an experienced, values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the company and experience applying AI to customer-experience products.
Investor Concerns
The transition occurs during broader executive restructuring, including CFO Dan Durn's departure and continuing pressure on Adobe's stock.
Leadership succession
Adobe's AI Growth Case
Adobe's internal succession process ultimately selected Chakravarthy, who will work with Narayen to support a seamless handover.
Investor Concerns
David Wadhwani, another reported contender for the role, left Adobe on the same day as the announcement.
- Incoming CEO
- Anil Chakravarthy
- Outgoing CEO
- Shantanu Narayen, who will become executive chairman
- Effective date
- December 1, 2026
- Adobe start date
- January 2020
- Previous leadership
- Chakravarthy was CEO of Informatica and held senior roles at Symantec, VeriSign and McKinsey & Company.
- Education
- Bachelor of Technology in computer science and engineering from IIT Varanasi, plus a master's degree and Ph.D. from MIT.
- Stock reaction
- Adobe shares declined approximately 1.7% to 2% in extended after-hours trading.
