Charles Edelstenne was one of the founders of Dassault Systèmes in 1981 and was Managing Director until the company was transformed into a societé anonyme in 1993. From 1993 to 2002, Mr. Edelstenne was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and since 2002, he has served as  Chairman of the Board. Mr. Edelstenne served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Aviation until January 2013.