History of Shantanu Narayen in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 12, 2026

Shantanu Narayen is an Indian-American business executive currently serving as the chairman, president, and CEO of Adobe Inc. He assumed the CEO role in December 2007, having previously held the position of president and chief operating officer since 2005. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Adobe's strategy and growth in the technology sector.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 27, 1963: Birth of Shantanu Narayen

On May 27, 1963, Shantanu Narayen, the future chairman, president, and CEO of Adobe Inc., was born.

Others born on this day/year

1986: Master's Degree in Computer Science

In 1986, Narayen completed his education with a master's degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University.

1986: Joined Measurex Automation Systems

In 1986, Shantanu Narayen joined Measurex Automation Systems, a Silicon Valley startup specializing in computer control systems.

1989: Joined Apple in Senior Management

In 1989, Shantanu Narayen transitioned to Apple, where he took on senior management positions.

1995: Left Apple

In 1995, Shantanu Narayen concluded his tenure in senior management positions at Apple.

1996: Co-founded Pictra Inc.

In 1996, Shantanu Narayen co-founded Pictra Inc., a company focused on digital photo sharing over the Internet.

1998: Joined Adobe as SVP of Worldwide Product Development

In 1998, Shantanu Narayen joined Adobe as senior vice president of worldwide product development.

2001: Executive Vice President at Adobe

From 2001, Narayen served as the Executive Vice President of Worldwide Products at Adobe.

2005: Appointed President and COO of Adobe

In 2005, Narayen was appointed as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Adobe.

November 2007: Adobe Announces Narayen as New CEO

In November 2007, Adobe announced that Shantanu Narayen would replace Bruce Chizen as CEO, effective December 1, 2007.

December 1, 2007: Narayen Replaces Chizen as CEO of Adobe

On December 1, 2007, Shantanu Narayen succeeded Bruce Chizen as the CEO of Adobe.

December 2007: Appointed CEO of Adobe Inc.

In December 2007, Shantanu Narayen became the chairman, president, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Adobe Inc.

2009: Adobe's Acquisition of Omniture

In 2009, Adobe expanded into the digital experiences category with the acquisition of Omniture, under Narayen's leadership.

May 2011: Honorary Doctorate from Bowling Green State University

In May 2011, Shantanu Narayen received an honorary doctorate from Bowling Green State University.

2011: Appointed to Obama's Management Advisory Board

In 2011, Barack Obama appointed Shantanu Narayen as a member of his Management Advisory Board.

2018: Adobe Joins Fortune 500

In 2018, Adobe's market capitalization exceeded $100 billion, leading to its inclusion in the Fortune 500 for the first time; it also ranked No. 13 on Forbes’ Most Innovative Companies list.

2018: Ranked on Fortune's "Businessperson of the Year" list

In 2018, Shantanu Narayen was ranked #12 on Fortune's "Businessperson of the Year" list and was named "Global Indian of the Year" by The Economic Times of India.