Charles Edelstenne (born 9 June 1938) is a French businessman and billionaire known for his long‑standing leadership of the Dassault Group, a conglomerate that includes interests in aerospace, media, and other sectors. He was born in Marseille, France, and pursued studies in engineering before entering the family‑associated business world.
Edelstenne joined the Dassault Group in the early 1960s, eventually taking on senior executive roles. In 1995, he was appointed chairman of the Dassault Group, a position he held for several decades, overseeing the conglomerate’s diversification and strategic development. Under his stewardship, the group expanded its activities in aviation through Dassault Aviation, as well as in media through ownership stakes in publications such as Le Figaro.
Besides his corporate responsibilities, Edelstenne has been involved in various industrial and economic organizations in France, serving on boards and advisory committees related to aerospace, technology, and entrepreneurship. His business activities have contributed to the growth of the French high‑technology sector, and he is frequently listed among the wealthiest individuals in France by international financial magazines.
Edelstenne is the son of Marcel Edelstenne, a figure who co‑founded the family’s early ventures, and he has maintained a relatively low public profile despite his significant influence in the French corporate landscape. His net worth, as assessed by major wealth rankings, places him among the top tier of French billionaires.
