Airtel’s Ex-CEO Manoj Kohli Joins Adobe’s International Advisory Board

Adobe has appointed Manoj Kohli, former CEO of Bharti Airtel and ex-SoftBank India head, to its International Advisory Board (IAB), signalling a sharper push into AI-led transformation.

On March 21, Adobe announced the departure of Shantanu Narayen, who had served as the company's CEO for 18 years. He will step down from his position after a successor is appointed, but will continue to serve as Chair of the Board.

The move also comes at a time when Adobe is increasingly leaning on AI to redefine its legacy creative and enterprise business. As outlined in recent industry analysis by AIM, Adobe’s long-term growth hinges on dismantling parts of its traditional software model and rebuilding around AI-native workflows and experience platforms.

With nearly five decades of experience across telecom, technology, and digital ecosystems, Kohli is expected to guide enterprise customers navigating disruption.

“I’m delighted to join the Adobe International Advisory Board to work with customers at this pivotal time when AI is rapidly transforming how customers discover and engage with brands,” Kohli said in a statement. “Adobe has consistently enabled organisations to enhance creativity and productivity… I look forward to contributing my perspective… to help shape their next era of growth.”

Kohli was the Country Head of SoftBank India, overseeing investments of over $15 billion in AI-focused companies. He worked with teams at Ola, OYO, Lenskart, Meesho, Flipkart, Swiggy, Delhivery, and Zomato. 

At Bharti Airtel, he expanded its customer base from 2 million to over 400 million across 20 countries and contributed to the development of Airtel TV and Indus Towers.

Commenting on the development, Ben Goodman, President of JAPAC at Adobe, said, “India is one of the fastest-growing digital markets… organisations are increasingly looking to AI and digital experience technologies to drive innovation and growth,” he said, adding that Kohli’s leadership will help customers “unlock new growth opportunities.”