Pascal Daloz has been named chairman and chief executive officer of Dassault Systèmes (EPA:DSY) after Bernard Charlès informed the board that he was stepping down from his roles as executive chairman and board member, effective immediately, citing personal reasons.
The board of directors voted unanimously to approve Daloz’s elevation to the combined role of chairman and CEO, following a recommendation from the Compensation and Nomination Committee. Daloz had been serving as the company’s chief executive officer prior to this appointment.
In accepting the dual responsibilities, Daloz said: "I am honored to succeed Bernard Charlès as Chairman of Dassault Systèmes, in addition to my mission as CEO." He added that the company’s objective is to lead transformation powered by Industrial AI through 3D UNIV+RSES.
Charlès, who co-founded Dassault Systèmes and held leadership positions there for 43 years, notified the board on Friday of his immediate resignation from the executive chairman role and from board membership. He stated that he had requested to be released from his duties for personal reasons.
Charlès also expressed confidence in Daloz’s ability to manage both the company and the board, saying: "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." He indicated he will remain available to the company to help accelerate adoption of 3D UNIV+RSES and described himself as a product and technology leader, noting that the seventh generation of industry solutions is now well defined and architected.
Charles Edelstenne, the founder and honorary chairman, thanked Charlès for his leadership in establishing Dassault Systèmes as a world leader in product lifecycle management. Edelstenne added that Charlès had taken care to prepare his succession over the past three years.
The transition formalizes leadership continuity at the French software firm by consolidating the chief executive and chair roles under Daloz. The board’s unanimous vote and the Compensation and Nomination Committee’s recommendation underline an endorsed succession plan while Charlès remains available in an advisory capacity to support strategic initiatives tied to the company’s 3D UNIV+RSES efforts.