Dassault Systèmes has announced a significant leadership transition. Bernard Charlès has stepped down from his roles as Executive Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately, for personal reasons. The Board has unanimously appointed Pascal Daloz, current Chief Executive Officer, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as of February 21, 2026.
Bernard Charlès, Co-Founder of Dassault Systèmes alongside Charles Edelstenne, has guided the company from its startup origins to its position as a global leader in product lifecycle management (PLM) and virtual twin technologies. His departure reflects personal considerations, while the appointment of Pascal Daloz maintains strong continuity in strategic direction and governance.
Pascal Daloz, who has worked closely with Bernard Charlès for 25 years, assumes the combined Chairman and CEO responsibilities. This structure positions him to lead the execution of Dassault Systèmes’ ambition to become the leader in Industrial AI through the 3D UNIV+RSES platform. The focus remains on pushing scientific and imaginative boundaries to deliver sustainable innovations that impact consumers, patients, and citizens by bringing virtual worlds to real life.
“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.” – Pascal Daloz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dassault Systèmes
Bernard Charlès expressed pride in the company’s achievements and full confidence in Pascal Daloz’s leadership. He highlighted the enduring governance stability that reassures clients worldwide and confirmed his ongoing availability to support the acceleration of 3D UNIV+RSES adoption.
“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.” – Bernard Charlès
Charles Edelstenne, Founder and Honorary Chairman, also commended Bernard Charlès’ contributions and expressed confidence in the company’s future under Pascal Daloz’s leadership.
“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.”
This leadership evolution reinforces Dassault Systèmes’ commitment to innovation in Industrial AI, sustainable transformation, and long-term value creation for clients, partners, and shareholders.
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.
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