Diplomat and business executive with over forty years of experience in international relations management, national security, and leadership of major strategic organizations.
After graduating in Political Science from LUISS University in Rome, he entered the diplomatic service in 1978 and developed deep expertise in international politics and geopolitics. He held key roles including Deputy Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister, Chief of Staff, Director General of Political Affairs and Personnel at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From September 2007 to 2012, he served as Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From April 2008 to December 2009, he acted as Sherpa to the Prime Minister for the G8 and G20. From May 2012 to May 2016, he was Director General of the Department of Information for Security (DIS), where he led the management of geopolitical risk and national security. In May 2016, he was appointed Chairman of Fincantieri, serving until May 2022, exercising operational and strategic leadership at Italy's leading defense and shipbuilding company. Under his chairmanship, the Sustainability Committee was established and the first Sustainability Plan (2018–2022) was launched, positioning the company as “best in class” on ESG matters according to leading rating agencies. He also served as Chairman of the Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) from January 2017 to May 2024.
Chairman of Mundys from 2022 to March 2026, he currently serves as Vice Chairman of the company. During his chairmanship, he led investments in sustainable infrastructure and energy transition, aligning the company's strategy with environmental sustainability and inclusive economy goals. Since August 2021, he has been Chairman of Fincantieri NexTech, and in April 2026 he joined the Board of Directors of Banco BPM. He is a member of the Trilateral Commission and the Aspen Institute, organizations dedicated to values-based leadership and dialogue on critical global challenges. He directs the Geopolitical Risk Observatory at LUISS University and teaches national security and international relations at the LUISS University in Rome.
HONORS: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2006)