Parallel Graphics strengthens leadership team through appointment of Dassault Systèmes founder and industry veteran, Francis Bernard, to Chief Execut

Parallel Graphics Ltd., the leader in the provision of interactive 3D visual communication for Product Maintenance & Training, today announced that Mr. Francis Bernard has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, and elected to Parallel Graphics' Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Mr. Bernard is the founder and of Dassault Systèmes (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) which he set up in 1981 and became the first President of the company. Most recently he served as Dassault Systèmes' Executive Committee Advisor and Member of the Board of Directors. During his time at Dassault Systèmes, the company grew to become one of the largest software companies in Europe.

«We are delighted Francis is joining Parallel Graphics, where he will serve as Chief Executive Officer» said Connell Gallagher, President, Parallel Graphics. «Francis brings a wealth of software industry experience to Parallel Graphics, having guided a business from its very earliest stages through periods of high growth to become one of Europe's greatest software success stories.»

«His unique expertise, customer-focused thinking and acclaimed leadership will be key drivers as we continue to deliver the powerful three dimensional (3D) authoring environments based on our ground-breaking Cortona3D RapidManuals technology which our customers use to produce and deliver cost-effective next generation interactive technical publications.»

«I’m excited to be joining Parallel Graphics at a time when the company is well positioned to take advantage of the key trends that are shaping the technical documentation and product lifecycle management landscapes,» explained Mr. Bernard. «Parallel Graphics is demonstrating real leadership in driving the use of 3D within training, technical publications and electronic parts catalogues, and I look forward to being an integral part of Parallel Graphics' future growth and success.»

Mr. Bernard was honored with the 1997 Award from the French «Académie Nationale de l'Air et de l'Espace», as well as by the Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine and the National Air & Space Museum of the USA as being the «inventor of CATIA». He is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse, France.