CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
11 July 2007
Company News
Dassault Systèmes Names Jeff Ray CEO of SolidWorks; Ray to Strengthen SolidWorks' Leadership of Global 3D CAD Market
Dassault Systèmes ( DS ) 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.
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