The founder of SolidWorks announced the news in an email to employees. His resignation is effective immediately. 

SolidWorks founder Jon Hirschtick, for the last 14 years a member of the executive board of Dassault Systemes, today announced his immediate resignation.

In an email to SolidWorks employees, Hirschtick said, “This is a difficult decision for me, but one I am confident is right.”

In the email, Hirschtick said he looks forward to “spending my time learning, researching and pushing the envelope on new technological advancements.  I will do this best in a fresh new independent environment.”

As of this posting, SolidWorks has not released a statement.