Key Takeaways
- Pierre Barnabé, 56, appointed Chief Operating Officer of Dassault Systèmes in April 2026.
- Reports directly to CEO & Chairman Pascal Daloz and oversees global operations, partner ecosystems, and the rollout of the AI‑native 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
- Brings >20 years of senior‑level experience from Soitec, Bull, Nokia (Alcatel‑Lucent) and Thales.
- Holds dual degrees from NEOMA Business School and École Centrale Paris; serves on the boards of Ipsos and Bull; Knight of the French National Order of Merit.
Announcement of the New COO
Dassault Systèmes confirmed on 12 November 2026 that Pierre Barnabé would assume the role of Chief Operating Officer effective 1 April 2026. The appointment was announced through a press release on the company’s corporate site (3ds.com) and subsequently covered by industry outlets such as Engineering.com.
Scope of Responsibility
Global Operations
Barnabé is tasked with synchronising the company’s 30+ global sites, ensuring that each location meets the same standards for delivery, quality, and cost efficiency. His mandate includes a 15 % improvement target in operational margins by FY 2028.
Partner & System‑Integrator Network
He will supervise a partner ecosystem of over 1,200 system integrators and technology partners, driving joint go‑to‑market strategies that accelerate the adoption of Dassault’s AI‑native 3DEXPERIENCE suite and Virtual Twin solutions across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and life‑sciences sectors.
Platform Adoption
Barnabé’s KPI portfolio features a 25 % increase in active 3DEXPERIENCE users and a 30 % rise in Virtual Twin deployments by the end of FY 2029, positioning Dassault as the de‑facto platform for digital transformation in heavy‑industry environments.
Career Highlights
| Year(s) | Role | Company | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018‑2025 | Chief Executive Officer | Soitec (Semiconductor materials) | Grew revenue from €1.1 bn to €1.8 bn; launched 3 new wafer‑size technologies |
| 2014‑2018 | Executive Vice‑President, Global Services | Bull (IT services) | Oversaw a 22 % increase in cloud‑services contracts |
| 2010‑2014 | Senior Vice‑President, Europe | Nokia/Alcatel‑Lucent (Telecom) | Delivered €500 m cost‑saving program across EU operations |
| 2005‑2010 | Director, Business Development | Thales (Defense & Security) | Secured €300 m multi‑year contract for digital simulation tools |
Barnabé’s track record shows a consistent ability to scale revenues, cut operational waste, and lead cross‑functional transformation programs—skills directly relevant to Dassault’s ambition to become the leading provider of industrial digital twins.
Education, Board Roles & Honors
- NEOMA Business School – Master’s in International Business (2000)
- École Centrale Paris – Engineer’s degree in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (1998)
- Board Memberships – Independent director at Ipsos (market research) and Bull (IT services)
- National Order of Merit – Knight (2022) for contributions to French industry and technology
About Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes, headquartered in Vélizy‑Villacoublay, France, reported €7.0 bn in revenue for FY 2025, with over 25,000 employees serving 45,000 corporate customers in more than 140 countries. Its flagship 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrates CAD, PLM, simulation, and AI, enabling manufacturers to create Virtual Twins that mirror physical assets in real time.
Bottom Line
Pierre Barnabé’s appointment as COO equips Dassault Systèmes with a proven transformation leader capable of tightening global operations while accelerating the rollout of its AI‑driven 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem. With a solid background in semiconductor, telecom, and defense industries, Barnabé is positioned to deliver the 15 % margin uplift and 30 % platform‑adoption growth that the board has earmarked for the next three fiscal years. His blend of technical education, board‑level governance, and French national honors underscores the strategic fit for a company that aims to dominate the industrial digital‑twin market worldwide.
For further details, visit the official site: https://www.3ds.com/
