Charles Edelstenne
Charles Edelstenne | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 9, 1938 France |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Known for | CEO of Dassault Aviation (2000–2013), Chairman of Dassault Systèmes |
Charles Edelstenne (born 9 January 1938) is a French executive who served as the general manager of the Dassault Group until 2025, after which Éric Trappier took over the position. He held the role of CEO at Dassault Aviation until 2013, when Trappier also succeeded him in that capacity. Currently, Edelstenne continues to serve as the chairman of Dassault Systèmes.
With a background as a certified French chartered accountant, Edelstenne began his career at Dassault Aviation (formerly known as Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Aviation) in 1960, initially appointed as the chief financial officer (CFO). He progressed to general secretary in 1975, was promoted to vice president in 1986, and ultimately took over from Serge Dassault as CEO of Dassault Aviation in 2000. Between 1993 and 2002, he held the positions of chairman and CEO of Dassault Systèmes; upon assuming the CEO role at Dassault Aviation, he stepped down as CEO of Dassault Systèmes but maintained his chairmanship.
From 2005 to 2009, Edelstenne presided over the French aerospace industry association GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales). Together with his family, he owns slightly more than 6% of the shares in Dassault Systèmes.