Leonardo S.p.A., the Italian aerospace and defense company, has named Lorenzo Mariani as its new chief executive officer and general manager. The appointment came from the company’s newly formed board of directors on May 7, 2026, succeeding Roberto Cingolani at the helm.
The board granted Mariani broad operational powers for managing the company and its group, excluding matters reserved by law, the articles of association, or board resolutions. Francesco Macrì was appointed chairman in the leadership reshuffle.
In a structural change, the board created a new General Management Department reporting directly to the CEO. Gian Piero Cutillo was named co-general manager to lead this unit. Separately, Giuseppe Aurilio, the chief financial officer, was confirmed as the officer responsible for financial reporting until the current board’s term ends.
Mariani’s tenure follows nearly two years in operational oversight at Leonardo and prior experience at MBDA in 2025. The moves occur amid evolving demands in defense, technology, and security sectors across Europe.