Fabrice Canonge Leads Centric Software into a New Era as CEO

Fabrice Canonge Ascends as the New CEO of Centric Software

In a pivotal move for Centric Software and its parent company, Dassault Systèmes, the board of directors has announced that Fabrice Canonge will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change marks an important transition within the company that has prominently positioned itself in the market since its inception in 2004, thanks to the visionary leadership of founder Chris Groves. Groves will now transition to a senior advisory role, ensuring a smooth shift in leadership while continuing to lend his expertise to the company.

Bernard Charlès, Executive Chairman of Dassault Systèmes, expressed profound gratitude for Groves' ongoing contributions, stating, “Chris Groves has been a key figure in establishing Centric Software as a trusted leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for over 20,000 consumer brands globally.” Since becoming a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes in 2018 and reaching unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion, Centric Software has significantly evolved, particularly with regard to its product offerings.

Canonge's journey within Centric Software has equipped him with the necessary skills to lead this next chapter. Joining the company in 2004, he initially spearheaded European operations before advancing to key roles including Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing in 2019, and most recently, President in 2023. His nearly three decades of expertise in business development within the software sector, especially as it relates to apparel, luxury goods, and retail, perfectly positions him to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

As CEO, Canonge's primary focus will be on refining and accelerating Centric Software's strategic SaaS roadmap, addressing the ever-changing demands of customers and enhancing the company's market leadership. The company aims to harness AI-driven solutions in the cloud to maintain relevance within an increasingly digital marketplace.

During his tenure, Canonge has played a significant role in expanding Centric's reach to 56 countries and attracting major clients like Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and ASICS. His familiarity with go-to-market strategies has been vital for the company's growth, ensuring Centric Software remains at the forefront of the consumer packaged goods and retail sectors.

Centric Software's flagship products, including Centric PLM™, Centric Planning™, and Centric Pricing & Inventory™, have garnered respect and attention from industry analysts and users alike. These innovative solutions give brands and retailers comprehensive tools for product development, supply chain management, and enhanced customer insights. Furthermore, Canonge's vision aligns with the company’s commitment to expanding its AI-integration across all products.

“Leading Centric Software represents an exciting opportunity that I embrace wholeheartedly,” Canonge remarked upon his appointment. “I'm dedicated to advancing the growth of our brand through comprehensive solutions that empower fast-moving consumer goods companies to effectively navigate disruptions and attain sustainable success.”

The innovations offered by Centric Software, including capabilities for planning, sourcing, buying, and marketing across diverse sectors such as fashion, luxury, and consumer electronics, underline the company's stature as a comprehensive partner in product commercialization. Furthermore, with features like Centric Visual Boards™ and Centric Market Intelligence™, brands are equipped with data-driven analytics, ensuring they remain competitive and aligned with market trends throughout the product lifecycle.

As Canonge takes the reins, Centric Software is set to continue its trajectory of success, grounded in innovation and a commitment to meeting the needs of consumers with agile and effective solutions. The future looks promising as Centric Software embraces the vision of transforming the retail landscape and enhancing brand experiences worldwide.