Early Life
Laurent Dassault was born on July 7, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He is the son of Serge Dassault, a prominent businessman and politician, and Nicole Dassault. His grandfather, Marcel Dassault, founded the Dassault Group. Laurent grew up in a wealthy and influential family, attending prestigious schools in France.
Rise to Success
After a banking career, Dassault joined the family business, Dassault Investissements, in 1991. He became co-managing director of Dassault Group in 1998. Under his leadership, Dassault Group has become a leading aerospace and defense company. He played a key role in the development of the Rafale fighter jet and the Falcon business jet, as well as expansion into new markets like India and China.
Key Business Strategies
Dassault's responsibilities include the diversification of the group's business interests, particularly in the wine industry and art. He is the president of Château Dassault, a prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé vineyard, and has interests in vineyards in Argentina and Chile. He has leadership roles in Artcurial, an auction house owned by his family.
Philanthropy
Laurent Dassault is the President of One Drop France, a charity aiming to improve access to clean water. He also serves as the Vice President of France's Kidney Foundation.