Dario Deste

Born in Rome, after receiving his high school diploma, he attended the Italian Naval Academy in Livorno (1979-1983) where he received his degree in Maritime and Naval Science. He later received a degree in Political Science from the University of Trieste. He is married with a daughter and two sons.

Mr Deste is General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division and has been appointed as CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali in May 2022.

Furthermore, he is President and Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marine Group, in Washington D.C. since August 2018.

From 2017 he is Chairman of Fincantieri Australia, is Member of the Atlantic Council and Member of various Fincantieri Companies Board.

In his role of CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, he awarded the contract for the concept design and construction of the first-in-class guided missile frigate of the “FFG(X)” program for the U.S. Navy in 2020, collecting the rewards of a long-lasting commitment.

In 2007, he joined Fincantieri and was later appointed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marine Systems North America, sustainment Company of Fincantieri in USA.

In 1991, he began his executive career in the private industry where he held senior roles in Italy and abroad with major industrial groups such as Fiat Defense, Beretta ARMI, BAE System and Leonardo.

Prior to his carrier in the private sector, he served as an Italian naval pilot onboard various ships and naval bases. He was also deployed abroad for an extensive period of time to participate in principal NATO operations.

At the end of 1983, he was selected to participate in the United States Naval Aviation Program. He became a Naval Aviator - both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft.