Shantanu Narayen, Chair and CEO of Adobe, has been named the first-ever Creative Champion of the Year by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a new honor recognizing individuals or organizations that have made a profound, long-term impact on the tools and technologies empowering creative professionals worldwide.
The award underscores Narayen’s legacy of championing innovation that fuels artistic expression. Under his leadership, Adobe has evolved from a software powerhouse into a creative and digital experience juggernaut — redefining how people everywhere create, communicate, and connect.
“While human imagination is almost boundless, turning visionary ideas into reality depends on partners who provide innovative tools, cutting-edge technologies, and bold collaborations,” said Philip Thomas, Chair of LIONS. “Adobe and Shantanu’s leadership stood out as a beacon of creative enablement.”
Narayen has steered Adobe through seismic industry shifts, from ushering in the digital experience category to the company’s current leadership in AI-driven creativity. Whether it’s through generative design tools, immersive storytelling platforms, or the seamless marriage of art and data, his vision has empowered millions of creators—from solo artists and students to Fortune 500 marketers.
“This award is a celebration of the incredible team at Adobe whose passion and ingenuity have enabled us to deliver ground-breaking technology that expands opportunities for more people to bring their creativity to life,” Narayen said.
A globally recognized business leader, Narayen has appeared on Barron’s World’s Best CEOs, Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year, and Glassdoor’s Top CEOs lists. He has also received India’s Padma Shri and The Economic Times’ Global Indian of the Year award.
Narayen will formally receive the Creative Champion of the Year honor at the Cannes Lions Awards Show on Tuesday, June 17, followed by a keynote appearance at the Lumière Theatre on Wednesday, June 18.
This new honor from Cannes Lions joins a growing chorus across industries recognizing that technology is no longer just a tool for creativity—it’s a partner. And with Narayen at the helm, Adobe continues to lead that partnership into the future.
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