Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen: The bears have it all wrong on software

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 20, 2026 at 15:29  |  4:39  |  CNBC
Speakers
Shantanu Narayen — CEO, Adobe Inc.

Summary

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen discusses his upcoming CEO transition and the company's AI strategy in an interview with CNBC's Jon Fortt. He expresses confidence in Adobe's future despite stock concerns and argues that bears are wrong about the software sector due to AI-driven opportunities. Narayen highlights Adobe's innovation with Firefly and its large user base.

  • Shantanu Narayen announces plans to step down as Adobe CEO.
  • He reflects on Adobe's past transitions to SaaS and enterprise software.
  • Narayen discusses the impact of AI on creativity and marketing.
  • He expresses confidence in Adobe's strategy and AI innovation.
  • Narayen believes bears are wrong about the software sector.
  • He cites Adobe's 850 million monthly users and high transaction volumes.
  • The interview covers the challenges and opportunities of the AI transition.
  • Narayen will focus on product building after stepping down.
Trade Ideas
Shantanu Narayen CEO, Adobe Inc. 1:53
Adobe well-positioned for AI-driven future.
Shantanu Narayen expresses strong confidence in Adobe's future, citing its established strategy, ongoing innovation with AI models like Firefly, and business momentum, despite market concerns about software stocks in the AI era.
ADBE HIGH
Shantanu Narayen CEO, Adobe Inc. 3:46
Bears wrong; software sector has AI opportunities.
Shantanu Narayen argues that bears are wrong about the software sector; AI disruption actually creates more opportunity for creative companies, as new interfaces and modalities expand the market.
IGV HIGH
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This CNBC video, published April 20, 2026, features Shantanu Narayen discussing ADBE, IGV. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Shantanu Narayen  · Tickers: ADBE, IGV