Fabrice Canonge Takes Charge as CEO of Centric Software

Fabrice Canonge has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Centric Software, effective October 30, 2025. This announcement was made by Dassault Systèmes, the parent company of Centric Software. Canonge succeeds Chris Groves, the founder of Centric Software, who will transition into a senior advisory role within Dassault Systèmes.

Groves founded Centric Software in 2004, establishing its flagship product lifecycle management solution, Centric PLM™. Under his leadership, Centric has become a trusted name in product lifecycle management for over 20,000 consumer brands worldwide. In expressing gratitude for Groves’ contributions, Bernard Charlès, Executive Chairman of Dassault Systèmes, stated, “We thank Chris Groves for his leadership and vision that have positioned Centric Software as the trusted leader in PLM.”

Canonge’s Vision and Experience

Canonge brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having joined Centric Software in 2004. He initially led European operations before advancing to Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing in 2019. In 2020, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer and became President in 2023. His nearly three decades of experience in the software industry, particularly in the apparel and luxury goods sectors, will be instrumental as he leads Centric into its next phase of growth.

“As we embark on a new chapter in Centric Software’s journey, Fabrice has the experience and drive to lead this new era and take the brand forward,” Charlès added. “His focus will be on defining and expediting Centric Software’s strategic SaaS roadmap to meet evolving customer demands.”

Canonge’s leadership is expected to expand Centric’s market position with innovative, AI-powered solutions hosted on the cloud. His track record includes significant achievements in market strategy and customer acquisition, with key brands such as Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and ASICS among Centric’s clientele.

Innovations and Future Directions

Since becoming a core brand of Dassault Systèmes in 2018, Centric Software has made substantial strides in enhancing its solution portfolio through strategic acquisitions. The company has diversified its offerings to include planning, pricing and inventory management, market intelligence, and product experience management (PXM).

Centric Software’s innovations, such as Centric Planning™ and Centric Market Intelligence™, aim to optimize business performance and provide valuable insights into consumer trends. These solutions are designed to support a wide range of industries, including fashion, luxury, footwear, and consumer electronics.

Commenting on his appointment, Canonge expressed his commitment to driving growth, stating, “I want to thank Dassault Systèmes for the opportunity to lead Centric Software and am fully committed to accelerating the brand’s growth with end-to-end solutions that enable fast-moving consumer goods companies to navigate disruptions, scale, and thrive.”

As Centric Software continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to providing innovative, integrated, AI-enabled enterprise solutions that empower organizations to achieve their strategic and operational goals. With its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software serves a diverse clientele, helping them navigate the complexities of product commercialization and enhance their market competitiveness.