Will Remain as Chairman of the Board with Co-Founder Geschke

San Jose, Calif. (March 15, 2001) (Nasdaq:ADBE)--Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced that after a distinguished career,co-founder and industry icon,John Warnock,60,is retiring from the industry-leading software company that he and Charles Geschke began in 1982. Warnock will remain as chairman of the board alongside co-founder Geschke.

"I am confident with the decisions and direction of Adobe's management team and feel it's an opportune time to step down," said Warnock. "I've had a wonderful career at Adobe and I am proud of the products and technology the people of Adobe have created. I know they will continue to do amazing things in the future."

Under Warnock's technical leadership, Adobe has pioneered the development of world-renowned graphics,publishing, Web and electronic document technologies that revolutionized the field of visual communication.Warnock holds six patents, is one of the world's most respected computer software innovators, and has been the recipient of numerous industry awards over the last three decades for his outstanding achievements.

Warnock also has been active in the area of corporate philanthropy.He was a founding member of the Tech Museum of Innovation, where he served as chairman when the Tech was constructed and opened; today he continues to sit on the board of directors. He is also on the board of trustees for the Folger Shakespeare Museum, and the American Film Institute. He and Geschke created a culture at Adobe that set a standard for integrity, innovation and corporate responsibility, which is widely honored and imitated.

"I couldn't be more delighted for John and wish him much happiness in his retirement," said Charles Geschke, who retired last year. "We have worked together for the past 23 years and I'm looking forward to enjoying some leisure time with him away from the office."

"Along with Chuck, John created what is now a $1.3 billion industry-leading software company," said Bruce Chizen,Adobe president and CEO. "Because of his technical vision and leadership, Adobe has been able to change the world through products and technologies like PostScript, Photoshop and Acrobat. He created a legacy at Adobe of innovation and technical excellence —one that will live forever. We will miss his day-to-day involvement in the Company,but will continue to benefit from his visionary guidance as chairman."

Founded in 1982, Adobe Systems Incorporated (www.adobe.com) builds award-winning software solutions for Network Publishing, including Web, print, video, wireless and broadband applications. Its graphic design, imaging, dynamic media and authoring tools enable customers to create, manage and deliver visually-rich, reliable content. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Adobe is the second largest PC software company in the U.S., with annual revenues exceeding $1.2 billion.

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