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Charles Edelstenne & family
Rank #1418
FRANCEServiceAviation

Charles Edelstenne & family

Net Worth
$2.835B
+0.3% (24h)
Charles Edelstenne, born January 9, 1938, is a prominent French businessman and a billionaire whose career has been intertwined with the aerospace and technology sectors. Trained as a chartered accountant, he began his career at Dassault Aviation in 1960 as the Chief Financial Officer, rising through the ranks to become General Secretary in 1975 and Vice President in 1986. He succeeded Serge Dassault as CEO of Dassault Aviation in 2000, a position he held until 2013. Edelstenne co-founded Dassault Systèmes in 1981, and served as its Chairman and CEO from 1993 to 2002, later remaining as Chairman. As of January 2025, he stepped down as head of the Dassault family holding company on his 87th birthday. His main source of wealth is aviation, with an estimated net worth of $2.77 billion and holds the 1440th position globally among billionaires.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Charles Edelstenne was born on January 9, 1938, in Paris, France. Details about his early life and childhood are limited in the available sources.

Rise to Success

Edelstenne's career began at Dassault Aviation in 1960, where he started as the Chief Financial Officer. His financial background helped him navigate the complexities of the aerospace industry. He climbed the ranks, becoming General Secretary in 1975 and Vice President in 1986. In 2000, he succeeded Serge Dassault as CEO of Dassault Aviation. He also co-founded Dassault Systèmes in 1981. He served as its chairman and CEO from 1993 to 2002.

Key Business Strategies

Key milestones in his career include his ascent through Dassault Aviation, leading to his CEO role, and his involvement in the founding and leadership of Dassault Systèmes, a leader in 3D design software. He played a key role in the development of the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet. He was president of the French GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales) from 2005 to 2009.

Philanthropy

There is no specific information about Edelstenne's philanthropic initiatives available in the search results.

Career Timeline

2025

Stepped down from head of the Dassault family holding company

Stepped down on his 87th birthday.

2023

Retired as Chairman of the Board of Dassault Systemes

Retired as chairman of the board in 2023.

2005-2009

President of GIFAS

Served as President of the French GIFAS.

2002

Resigned as CEO of Dassault Systèmes

Remained Chairman.

2000

CEO of Dassault Aviation

Succeeded Serge Dassault as CEO.

1993

Chairman and CEO of Dassault Systèmes

Took on the role of Chairman and CEO.

1986

Vice President of Dassault

Became Vice President.

1975

General Secretary of Dassault

Assumed the role of General Secretary.

1960

Joined Dassault Aviation

Began as Chief Financial Officer.

Philanthropic Impact

N/AUndisclosed

N/A

No information available.

Wealth Trajectory