Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced its Board of Directors has appointed current president and chief operating officer Shantanu Narayen as its president and chief executive officer, effective December 1, 2007. Narayen will also join Adobe’s Board of Directors at that time. Narayen replaces Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen, who will serve the remainder of his term on Adobe’s Board of Directors through the Spring of 2008 and continue in a strategic advisory capacity through the end of fiscal year 2008.

“Bruce Chizen’s vision has helped transform Adobe from a company that was known mainly for its popular design products into one of the largest and most diversified software companies in the world,” said Chuck Geschke and John Warnock, Adobe’s chairmen of the Board of Directors. “We thank him for his outstanding leadership and contributions to Adobe’s success during his entire 14 years at Adobe and the past seven as CEO.”

Narayen’s promotion reflects Adobe’s strategy to ensure a planned succession of the company’s senior leadership.

“Shantanu’s extensive knowledge of our products and platforms, customer experience and exceptional operational leadership make him the ideal choice to lead Adobe as CEO,” said Chizen. “For me personally, the time is right for a transfer of leadership and I look forward to supporting Shantanu as he takes on his new responsibilities.”

"I am honored to assume the leadership of Adobe and to continue to carry on the legacy of Bruce and our founders, John and Chuck,” said Narayen. "I look forward to continuing Adobe’s tradition of technology leadership and innovation, and helping the company achieve its next phase of growth.”
Shantanu Narayen Background

In his current role as president and COO, Narayen leads the company’s day-to-day global operations; sets Adobe’s long-term market strategies; and oversees all product research and development, worldwide sales, corporate strategy and investments, and corporate and product marketing. Together with Chizen, Narayen spearheaded the acquisition of Macromedia, Inc. in 2005, expanding Adobe’s software platform and solutions and strengthening the company’s presence in key markets ranging from video to enterprise software to mobile solutions.

Narayen joined Adobe in January 1998 as vice president and general manager of Adobe’s engineering technology group. In January 1999, he was promoted to senior vice president, worldwide products and in March 2001 he was promoted to executive vice president, worldwide product marketing and development. In January 2005, Narayen was promoted to president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining Adobe, Narayen co-founded Pictra Inc., a digital photo sharing software company, in 1996. Previously, he was director of desktop and collaboration products at Silicon Graphics Inc. and held various senior positions at Apple Inc.