Dassault Systèmes’ leadership transition marked a significant corporate milestone as Bernard Charlès stepped down from his roles with immediate effect. The company confirmed that Charlès informed the Board of Directors about his decision to resign as Executive Chairman and Board member for personal reasons. Dassault Systèmes stated that this transition supports long-term governance stability and strategic continuity.
Following this development, the Board unanimously appointed Pascal Daloz as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The decision followed recommendations from the Compensation and Nomination Committee. The appointment became effective on February 21, 2026. This leadership change strengthens executive leadership and supports the company’s global business expansion strategy.
Pascal Daloz, Dassault Systèmes’ Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented :
“I am honored to succeed Bernard Charlès as Chairman of Dassault Systèmes, in addition to my mission as CEO. I would like to thank Bernard for his trust, his unwavering support and his inspiration. We share the same vision: pushing the boundaries of science and imagination to change the lives of consumers, patients and citizens – bringing “virtual worlds to real life”. We also share a common conviction about the plan required to turn that vision into reality.
As Co-Founder and CEO, Bernard guided our company from a startup to a world leader. The inspiration behind Dassault Systèmes’ leading technologies, he has instilled a culture of ongoing innovation within our organization. He has helped transform industries for a more sustainable world. I thank Bernard for his offer to remain available to help us accelerate the adoption of 3D UNIV+RSES powered by AI.
Our ambition is clear: to lead the transformation powered by Industrial AI through 3D UNIV+RSES. This is a long-term commitment to further redefine how industries innovate, operate and compete in the Generative Economy. I am committed to ensuring that Dassault Systèmes retains the freedom needed to remain a game-changer and to accelerating growth.”
Bernard Charlès commented :
“I have requested to be released, for personal reasons, from my duties as Executive Chairman of the Board of Dassault Systèmes. As Co-Founder of our company, alongside Charles Edelstenne, I am truly pleased that Pascal Daloz succeeds me in this role. Pascal and I have worked side by side for 25 years, and he has my full confidence to both lead the company and organize the Board’s work.
This decision reflects the enduring continuity of the company’s governance, which is a major source of trust for our large clients around the world. I am firmly convinced that this new configuration creates the strongest conditions for the continued and successful development of Dassault Systemes.
I love and am deeply proud of Dassault Systèmes – its people, its teams, its customers, its purpose and values and what we build together. I am, at heart, a product and technology leader; this is my passion. I will remain fully available to the company to accelerate the adoption of 3D UNIV+RSES. Over the past 40 years, I have driven six generations of industry transformations, leading cutting-edge product innovation. “Gen7” is now well defined and architected. Pascal and his remarkable team will drive further this tremendous heritage for the success of our clients, partners and shareholders.”
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Bernard Charlès for his relentless leadership to position Dassault Systèmes as a world leader in PLM, which is recognized by all industries. His unique vision, endorsed by so many leading companies, has always been a competitive advantage. In the past 3 years, he has carefully prepared his succession: ensuring the 7th generation of our AI-based industry solutions is well engaged and transmitting his career legacy, constantly aiming for the highest quality standards. With Pascal Daloz, the company is in good hands for the future”, added Charles Edelstenne, Founder and Honorary Chairman.
He emphasized that succession planning was carefully executed over several years. Therefore, the company remains well-positioned for continued innovation, customer success, and long-term shareholder value creation.
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Source: Businesswire
