Dassault Systèmes' CEO Pascal Daloz Becomes Also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dassault Systèmes
MWN-AI** Summary
In a pivotal leadership transition, Dassault Systèmes announced that Pascal Daloz has been appointed both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 21, 2026. This decision follows the resignation of Bernard Charlès from his roles as Executive Chairman and Board member, citing personal reasons. Charlès, a co-founder of Dassault Systèmes and a key figure for over four decades, expressed confidence in Daloz, emphasizing the continuity of governance essential for client trust.
Daloz, currently the CEO, lauded Charlès for his inspiration and influence in transitioning the company from a startup to a global leader in product lifecycle management (PLM). They share a vision of leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance industrial creation and production processes, aligning with the company's ambition to revolutionize industries through its 3D UNIV+RSES initiative. Daloz pledged to accelerate growth and maintain Dassault Systèmes' status as a game-changer in the evolving Generative Economy.
Charlès revealed his commitment to remain involved in facilitating the adoption of the company's AI-driven innovations, recognizing the importance of maintaining the momentum established during his tenure. The announcement of Daloz's dual role as Chairman and CEO is seen as a strategic move to solidify Dassault Systèmes' leadership in Industrial AI.
Charles Edelstenne, another co-founder and Honorary Chairman, underlined the importance of this succession plan, stating that it ensures the company’s future success while preserving the legacy and vision set forth by Charlès. The upcoming conference call on February 23, 2026, is expected to elaborate on this transition and the company’s future directives, reinforcing Dassault Systèmes' commitment to innovation and leadership in its sector.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The strategic transition in leadership at Dassault Systèmes signals a pivotal moment for the company, which has long been a leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and industrial innovation. The appointment of Pascal Daloz as both Chairman and CEO following the departure of Bernard Charlès enables continuity in the leadership and governance that investors seek, particularly in tech-focused sectors.
Daloz’s commitment to advancing the company’s 3D UNIV+RSES vision signals a strong push towards integrating AI into industrial applications, a move well-aligned with current market trends favoring automation and digital transformation. This focus on Industrial AI is significant; firms that successfully integrate these technologies are poised to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiencies, which can drive growth and market share.
Investors should consider that Daloz has been working alongside Charlès for 25 years, ensuring a seamless transition and a shared vision. This continuity can facilitate stable investor confidence, as it minimizes the disruption typically associated with leadership changes. The planned conference call on February 23, 2026, represents a timely opportunity for stakeholders to gain insights into Daloz’s strategies and expectations for the company’s future.
From a market perspective, Dassault Systèmes remains well-positioned given its established reputation, extensive customer base, and emphasis on sustainable innovation. The transition in leadership could also be advantageous, as it reflects a proactive approach in addressing both personal and strategic dimensions, reassuring clients and investors alike.
Investors should monitor Dassault’s performance closely, particularly in executing its AI strategy and responding to emerging industry needs. Aligning with Daloz’s vision could unlock new revenue streams and drive long-term growth, affirming Dassault Systèmes’ role as a catalyst for transformation within the Generative Economy context.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- Bernard Charlès announces stepping down from his Executive Chairman and Member of the Board positions, for personal reasons
- Bernard Charlès intends to put his 43 years of industry experience, and his vision to transform, with AI, industrial creation and production processes, at the service of the Generative Economy
- Pascal Daloz is appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer by Dassault Systèmes’ Board, pursuing the 3D UNIV+RSES ambition to position Dassault Systèmes as leader in Industrial AI
Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) announces that Bernard Charlès has informed the Board of Directors, today and with immediate effect, that he is stepping down as Executive Chairman and member of the Board, for personal reasons.
The Board has unanimously decided that Pascal Daloz, Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Systèmes, becomes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in line with the recommendation of the Compensation and Nomination Committee, as of February 21, 2026.
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 Systèmes.
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 7 th 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.
Information on Conference Call scheduled February 23, 2026
Dassault Systèmes will host a conference call on February 23, 2026, at 7.00 am London time / 8.00 am Paris time. The conference call will be webcast live and available as replay on http://www.3ds.com/investors/ . Please connect to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com
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ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES
Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens. With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 370,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact. For more information, visit: www.3ds.com
© Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3D EXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.
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Dassault Systèmes Investor Relations Team
Marie Dumas : +33 1 61 62 70 92
[email protected]
Dassault Systèmes Press Contact
Pierre-Hubert Meilhac : +33 1 8524 0733
[email protected]
FAQ**
How will Bernard Charlès' departure from his roles impact Dassault Systèmes S.A. DASTF’s strategic direction in the rapidly evolving industrial AI landscape?
With Pascal Daloz stepping into the dual role of Chairman and CEO, what specific initiatives can investors expect from Dassault Systèmes S.A. DASTF to advance their 3D UNIV+RSES ambition?
Given Bernard Charlès’ intention to support the acceleration of UNIV+RSES, what collaborative measures will be in place between him and the new leadership at Dassault Systèmes S.A. DASTF?
How does the Board believe the leadership transition at Dassault Systèmes S.A. DASTF will reinforce client trust and support ongoing development in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Dassault Systemes S.A. (OTC: DASTF).
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