# The Italian government has outlined plans to replace the CEO of state-controlled defense giant Leonardo.

*business · news · 2026-04-10 · Breaking Defense*

## Key points

- The Italian government plans to replace Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani despite recent company growth.
- Lorenzo Mariani, former MBDA Italia managing director, has been nominated as the new CEO.
- Cingolani's removal comes just weeks after unveiling a major 2026-2030 industrial plan.
- Leonardo is the only major state-controlled firm not to have its CEO reconfirmed this cycle.
- Longstanding tensions between Cingolani and Defense Minister Crosetto influenced the leadership change.

**Companies:** Leonardo
**Countries:** Italy

[Read the full story on Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/04/italy-set-to-remove-leonardo-ceo-despite-major-growth/)

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