Adobe leader Shantanu Narayen has announced that he will step down after more than 18 years at the helm, transitioning to Chair of the Board once a successor is appointed. In a memo to employees, he described the moment as 'a time for reflection' rather than a farewell, adding that he will remain in his role until the board completes its search over the coming months.

Narayen’s tenure reshaped Adobe from a maker of boxed software into a subscription-focused technology powerhouse. When he became chief executive in 2007, the company had about 3,000 employees and less than 1 billion dollars in revenue. Today, it employs more than 30,000 people and generates over 25 billion dollars annually, with its stock rising more than sixfold during his leadership.

The announcement came alongside strong first quarter financial results that surpassed market expectations for revenue and profit. Revenue from artificial intelligence focused products more than tripled compared to a year earlier, and the company reported 850 million monthly users across its major platforms. Despite recent stock pressure and a failed acquisition attempt blocked by regulators, Adobe signaled confidence in its outlook and future growth as it prepares for its next chapter under new leadership.