Adobe CEO to Step Down in Face of Investor Concerns Over AI

Narayen Departure Puts Adobe Investors in Limbo, Analyst Luria Says

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By Brody Ford

March 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM UTC

Updated on

March 13, 2026 at 2:09 PM UTC

Adobe Inc. Chief Executive Officer Shantanu Narayen will resign from his position atop the creative software giant amid deep skepticism about the company’s ability to thrive in the AI era.

Narayen, who served as CEO for 18 years, will remain in the position until a successor has been appointed, Adobe said Thursday in a statement. The 62-year-old will stay on as board chairman.