Dassault Systèmes Appoints Samson Khaou as Managing Director for India

Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the appointment of Samson Khaou as the Managing Director of its India Geo.  Samson Khaou will develop Dassault Systèmes’ India business strategy in line with the country’s opportunities.

India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world. The country has witnessed a steady GDP growth from 5.6 to 7.6% over the last four years. Economists expect the growth to be 7.9% and higher in coming years, with promising opportunities across sectors like aerospace and defense, transportation and mobility, consumer goods, life sciences, natural resources, industrial equipment, financial and business services, energy process and utilities. In this context, Samson Khaou’s appointment will reinforce Dassault Systèmes’ ambition to become one of the key contributors to a country-wide transformation, by bringing together customers and Dassault Systèmes’ solutions.

Samson Khaou joined Dassault Systèmes in 1989 and has spent more than 15 years in Asia. For the last 10 years, he has launched Dassault Systèmes’ business in Korea and then he took the responsibility of Industry Services for Europe before leading the Asia Pacific South geo in 2011. Under his leadership, the revenue doubled, with several innovative projects such as “Virtual Singapore” being initiated. On his appointment as Managing Director for India, Samson Khaou said, “I am delighted to take on the responsibility to spearhead Dassault Systèmes India’s strong focus to leverage the opportunities which the country offers.”

Dr. Chandan Chowdhury who has been the Managing Director of Dassault Systèmes India over the last five years, has been instrumental in developing and expanding the company's footprint across several sectors. Dr. Chandan will be taking over a new role as Vice President (Global Affairs & Business Development). He will take on Dassault Systèmes’ evolved mission to drive business in the government and public sector, aligning the company’s technology and platform with the country's national agenda. Dr. Chandan will be in charge of defining new engagement and business models, focusing on the government’s initiatives in areas like ‘Make in India’, urban transformation, digital India, smart cities and developing centers-of-excellence for creating industry-ready professionals to increase employability and interactions with senior scientists.

Dassault Systèmes is keen to partner the digital transformation and growth agenda of the country. Sharing the recent development, Sylvain Laurent, Executive Vice President, Global Field Operations (Asia-Oceania), Worldwide Business Transformation, Dassault Systèmes said, “India is a key market for the company and we are looking at it with increased interest and business opportunities in the coming times. This organisational change is a reflection of our focus and endeavours to increase footprint in various verticals and industries in the country.”