# Italy’s prime minister has proposed replacing Roberto Cingolani as Leonardo chief executive with Lorenzo Mariani.

*business · news · 2026-04-10 · The Telegraph*

## Key points

- Giorgia Meloni has proposed replacing Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani with Lorenzo Mariani.
- Cingolani's tenure saw Leonardo shares surge over 400% since 2023, but they dropped after his ousting.
- Cingolani initiated the Michelangelo Dome missile defence project and urged UK participation.
- Mariani, the proposed successor, is currently Italy managing director at missile manufacturer MBDA.
- Cingolani secured major contracts, including a joint tank venture with Rheinmetall and a space deal with Airbus and Thales.

**Companies:** Leonardo, Airbus, BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, MBDA
**Countries:** Italy, United Kingdom, Germany

[Read the full story on The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/04/10/meloni-ousts-boss-of-top-european-defence-company/)

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