General Claudio Graziano: Leading Fincantieri to Success

The Legacy of General Claudio Graziano

General Claudio Graziano, the late president of Fincantieri, was found dead in his home in Rome on the morning of June 17, 2024.
Born in Turin in 1953, he was 70 years old.
Recently widowed, it is believed that he took his own life, with a gun and a note found next to him.
Graziano, a former Chief of the Defense Staff and Chairman of the EU Military Committee, had been appointed president of Fincantieri in 2022.

Who Was General Claudio Graziano?

Claudio Graziano, born in 1953 in Turin, had been serving as the president of Fincantieri since 2022.
Before leading the shipbuilding giant, he had a distinguished military career, beginning with his studies at the Modena Military Academy.
Between 2015 and 2018, he served as Chief of the Defense Staff and Chairman of the EU Military Committee.
On June 17, 2024, he was tragically found dead at his residence.

Graziano attended the Modena Military Academy from 1972 to 1974 and the Torino Military School from 1974 to 1976, where he earned a degree in Military Strategic Sciences.
He furthered his education, obtaining a degree in Diplomatic and International Sciences from the University of Trieste, a Master’s in Strategic Sciences, and a specialization in Human Sciences from the Augustinian Academy in Rome.

His military career commenced in 1974 when he was appointed Infantry Officer in the alpine specialty.
Throughout the years, Graziano held various command positions and undertook missions worldwide, showcasing his strategic leadership and commitment to international peacekeeping efforts.

Graziano’s Presidency at Fincantieri

General Claudio Graziano assumed the role of president of Fincantieri, a company controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, in April 2022, alongside Pierroberto Folgiero as CEO.
Fincantieri is renowned for its production of both civilian and military ships.

His presidency marked a new era for Fincantieri, reflecting a forward-looking strategy aimed at the future of European defense.
Graziano advocated for the establishment of a European army, with plans to form an initial unit of 5,000 soldiers by 2025.
With his extensive international experience, Graziano was set to play a pivotal role in guiding the company’s business operations, considering its majority ownership by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and therefore the State.

In April, Fincantieri’s 2023 financial statements were approved, reporting a net profit of €7,586,644 for the year.