Dassault Systèmes Names Jeff Ray CEO of SolidWorks
CONCORD, Mass. July 11, 2007 – Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the appointment of Jeff Ray as CEO of SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes’ brand for mainstream 3D mechanical design software. Previously chief operating officer, Ray is replacing John McEleney. Ray will be responsible for making SolidWorks the industry standard in mainstream 3D CAD.
“Jeff brings a wealth of industry and management experience to his new role that will assure SolidWorks’ successful performance in the next stage of its development,” said Bernard Charlès, president and CEO of Dassault Systèmes. “John has done a fantastic job of transforming SolidWorks from an ambitious startup into a successful global organization with an unrivaled distribution channel through his unwavering commitment to customers, community, employees, and colleagues.”
Ray joined SolidWorks in October 2003 as chief operating officer. He has been instrumental in improving global distribution performance and increasing revenue, profit, and global market share. His four years at SolidWorks extend his nearly 30-year record of building and transforming operations in international businesses. He has held senior executive positions at companies including Progress Software, Compuware and IBM.
Founded 14 years ago by Jon Hirschtick and under John McEleney’s strong leadership since 2001, SolidWorks is a remarkable success story. Ten years after its acquisition by Dassault Systèmes, SolidWorks’ revenues have increased almost forty fold and over 680,000 users now benefit from SolidWorks’ solutions.
McEleney is retiring to embrace new personal opportunities. He will remain closely linked to the company as a member of SolidWorks’ board of directors and Dassault Systèmes’ global management team until the end of the year.
About Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all – consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit https://www.3ds.com