Billionaire Dassault Heirs Name Aviation CEO to Oversee Holding

Trappier, head of Dassault Aviation, to succeed Edelstenne
Third, fourth generations have withdrawn from operations

Eric Trappier
Photographer: Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg

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By Tara Patel

February 8, 2024 at 9:15 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

The billionaire heirs to the Dassault industrial fortune are elevating the head of their conglomerate’s aviation arm to oversee their holdings, a further sign of the family’s disengagement from direct operational control.

Eric Trappier, chief executive officer of Dassault Aviation SA, will take on the additional role of Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault SAS chairman starting Jan. 9, 2025, according to a statement. GIMD controls the clan’s vast holdings in fighter and business jets, 3D design software, real estate, fine wines, an art auction house and one of France’s most influential newspapers — Le Figaro.