Anil Chakravarthy: From Bengaluru Schools to CEO of Adobe

Anil Chakravarthy's ascent from a small-town school in Bengaluru to the CEO of Adobe is a remarkable story of perseverance and achievement. Appointed to lead Adobe starting December 1, he succeeds Shantanu Narayen, who has been at the helm for over 18 years. With a strong educational background from IIT BHU and MIT, Chakravarthy has held significant roles in various tech sectors, showcasing his expertise in management consulting and cybersecurity. His journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth and innovation in the tech industry, making him a notable figure in global technology leadership.

By Ambika Singh Sep 5, 2026, 16:11 IST

An Inspiring Journey to the Top

The remarkable journey of Anil Chakravarthy, who transitioned from a small town and an ordinary school to the helm of a major tech company, is truly inspiring. Chakravarthy, who began his academic journey in Bengaluru, has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Adobe, effective December 1.

Stepping into Leadership

Chakravarthy will succeed Shantanu Narayen, who has led Adobe for over 18 years and will now take on the role of Executive Chairman. Anil's path exemplifies continuous growth in education and technology, having started his schooling in Bengaluru and later studying at prestigious institutions like IIT BHU and MIT.

Foundations in Bengaluru

Anil began his education at Sudarshan Vidya Mandir, followed by Vijaya High School in Jayanagar. He completed his pre-university studies at National College in Basavanagudi, where he built a strong academic foundation. He then earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University.

Elevating Education at MIT

After IIT BHU, Chakravarthy pursued a Master's degree and PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career spanned various fields, including management consulting, cybersecurity, enterprise software, and cloud data management, allowing him to gain valuable experience in both technology and business.

Significant Roles at Adobe

Chakravarthy joined Adobe in January 2020, initially serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Digital Experience business. By September 2020, he also took on global sales operations. Currently, he oversees customer experience management and global sales operations, leading efforts related to Adobe's creativity and productivity products.

A Wealth of Experience Before CEO Role

Before joining Adobe, Chakravarthy held key positions at several major companies. He served as CEO of Informatica, a cloud data management firm, from 2015 to 2020, and held senior roles at Symantec, VeriSign, and McKinsey & Company. With the leadership of Adobe now in his hands, he embarks on a significant new chapter in his career, having journeyed from Bengaluru classrooms to global tech leadership.