Adobe’s long-time CEO, Shantanu Narayen, is stepping down after 18 years as CEO and nearly 30 years at the company. Shareholders praise his success in growing Adobe’s software business, but many artists who were once indispensable to the company’s success are unhappy with the direction of the company under Narayen’s leadership.
Despite significant revenue growth and increased share price, many artists feel ignored or disrespected by Adobe during Narayen’s tenure. The company has invested heavily in AI technology, including its Firefly model, but has struggled to deliver high-quality results. This has led some to question whether Adobe is chasing a “dragon” with AI and if the company should focus on its core products and audience instead.
Narayen will stay on the board and help select his successor, but his departure raises questions about the future of Adobe’s approach to software in the AI age. While investors may be optimistic about the company’s potential, many artists are left wondering what took Adobe so long to prioritize their needs.
The article highlights a stark contrast between Adobe’s focus on shareholders and its treatment of individual artists. Narayen’s legacy is marked by significant growth and success, but also by a lack of attention to the creative community that built the company into what it is today.
Source: https://petapixel.com/2026/03/14/adobe-ceo-shantanu-narayens-legacy-differs-dramatically-with-who-you-ask