Shantanu Narayen

Shantanu Narayen is an Indian-American business executive. He has been the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adobe Inc. since December 2007. 

Shantanu is the Vice Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and sits on the board of Pfizer. He previously served as a Director of Dell and is a past member of the U.S. President’s Management Advisory Board.

Shantanu has been recognised by several publications as one of the world’s leading executives, including Barron’s World’s Best CEOs and Fortune Businessperson of the Year lists, and named a Top CEO by Glassdoor based on employee feedback. He is a recipient of India’s civilian honor Padma Shri and the Economic Times Global Indian of the Year award.

Before joining Adobe, Shantanu held product development roles at Apple and Silicon Graphics before cofounding an early photo-sharing startup, Pictra.

Shantanu holds five patents. He has a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from Osmania University, a master’s degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Shantanu once represented India in sailing at an Asian regatta.

Shantanu Narayen's journey begins in Hyderabad, India, where he grew up in a Telugu-speaking Hindu family. Born as the second son to a mother who taught American literature and a father who managed a plastics company, Narayen's early exposure to diverse influences played a crucial role in shaping his trajectory. He attended Hyderabad Public School, where he began to lay the foundation for his educational journey.

His pursuit of knowledge led him to earn a bachelor's degree in electronics and communication engineering from the University College of Engineering, Osmania University in Hyderabad. Seeking further opportunities, he moved to the United States and, in 1986, completed a master's degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Narayen's thirst for education continued, and he later obtained an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

In 1986, Narayen embarked on his professional career by joining Measurex Automation Systems, a Silicon Valley start-up that specialised in computer control systems for automotive and electronics clients. This role marked his entry into the technology industry. His journey continued at Apple, where he held senior management positions from 1989 to 1995, gaining valuable experience and insight into the tech world.

His passion for innovation led him to co-found Pictra Inc. in 1996, a company that pioneered digital photo sharing over the Internet, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to technology and its applications. In 1998, Narayen took a significant step by joining Adobe as the senior vice-president of worldwide product development. Over the years, his roles evolved, and he demonstrated his leadership skills as the executive vice-president of worldwide products from 2001 to 2005.

In 2005, his dedication and contributions were rewarded as he was appointed president and chief operating officer of Adobe. Then, in a significant turn of events, he assumed the role of CEO in December 2007, succeeding Bruce Chizen. As CEO, Narayen orchestrated a transformative journey for Adobe, transitioning its creative and digital document software franchises – including iconic programs like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Acrobat/PDF – from traditional desktop applications to the cloud, embracing the future of technology.

Under his guidance, Adobe expanded into the digital experiences category, a strategic move initiated with the acquisition of Omniture in 2009. The company's growth was evident as it surpassed the $100 billion market cap milestone in 2018 and earned a place on Fortune's 400 list. Furthermore, Adobe secured the 13th position on Forbes' Most Innovative Companies list in the same year.

Shantanu Narayen's mission is centered on driving innovation, transforming industries, and fostering digital experiences that empower individuals and businesses alike. As the CEO of Adobe, he has led a paradigm shift in technology by championing the transition of creative and digital document solutions from desktop applications to the cloud, enabling seamless collaboration and accessibility. His vision extends beyond business to embrace the power of digital transformation, enhancing creativity, productivity, and communication across global communities. By spearheading this evolution, Narayen seeks to empower individuals to realise their full potential and organizations to navigate the dynamic landscape of the digital age, ultimately shaping a more connected and innovative world.

Committed to embracing cutting-edge technologies, Narayen's mission embodies a dedication to pushing boundaries, propelling digital innovation, and elevating user experiences. His leadership is marked by a drive to continuously redefine possibilities, exemplified by Adobe's strategic expansion into digital experiences and the company's acquisitions to remain at the forefront of technological advancements. By driving innovation, Narayen not only shapes the trajectory of Adobe but also impacts the broader technological landscape, inspiring others to harness the power of technology to create, collaborate, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global society.