Charles Edelstenne is a French businessman, the former General Manager of the Dassault Group, and the Chairman of Dassault Systèmes (EPA: DSY), a world leader in 3D design and product lifecycle management software. His background is rooted in rigorous financial discipline: he was trained as a French chartered accountant.

His career began in 1960 when he joined Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Aviation (now Dassault Aviation) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This early role in the highly strategic French aerospace and defense sector was foundational, positioning him as a trusted financial and corporate steward of one of France's most important industrial dynasties.

Charles Edelstenne's career is a masterclass in financial and corporate governance within a family-controlled industrial giant. He rose quickly through the ranks of Dassault Aviation, becoming General Secretary in 1975 and Vice President in 1986. The pivotal moment was his ascension to CEO of Dassault Aviation in 2000, replacing Serge Dassault.

Crucially, he also led the creation and management of Dassault Systèmes, the software arm, serving as its Chairman and CEO from 1993 to 2002. Under his guidance, Dassault Systèmes became a world leader in 3D design and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software, generating immense returns by focusing on industrial design and engineering solutions. Although he later resigned as CEO of the software division, he remained its Chairman, while also serving as General Manager of the entire Dassault Group. This longevity and controlling oversight in both aerospace and software secured his family's multi-billion euro fortune.

Charles Edelstenne's social impact is structural, stemming from the Dassault Group's role as a foundational contributor to French national security (defense) and technological innovation (software). Dassault Systèmes' software is used by engineers globally, driving industrial design and efficiency.

His personal philanthropy often supports educational and technical institutions, reflecting his background as a chartered accountant and his commitment to the French aerospace industry. His leadership ensured the continued success of one of France's most vital industrial family conglomerates.

Charles Edelstenne maintains the highly formal, structured style of a French industrial and aerospace executive. His attire is consistently bespoke, favoring dark, tailored business suits, reflecting his background as a chartered accountant and his high-level executive roles. His aesthetic is one of meticulous precision and authority.

Residing in Paris, his luxury is the security of his multi-billion dollar fortune and the immense influence he holds over France's strategic aerospace and software industries. His life is defined by his commitment to financial rigor and the enduring legacy of the Dassault Group.