Leonardo falls after media reports about possible CEO exit

Societa Editoriale Il Fatto SpA

07/04/2026 10:40

** Shares in Italy's Leonardo LDOF.MI lose 5.6%, with Equita analysts pointing to reports saying the Italian defence group may replace its CEO

** Equita says that several press sources, including Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Il Fatto Quotidiano, have reported that CEO Roberto Cingolani will not be reappointed when his mandate expires in May

** Given the defence group's strong performance, the decision would come as a surprise, the brokerage adds

** Up to the previous session's close, Leonardo shares were up 26.6%​ YTD

** The media reports indicate MDBA Italy CEO Lorenzo Mariani, who served as co-general manager in Cingolani's mandate until 2025, as the leading candidate to replace him

** The board is expected to vote on the topic on May 7 and the candidate lists must be deposited by next Monday

** Leonardo representatives were not immediately available for a comment

(Reporting by Anna Uras)

((Anna.Uras@thomsonreuters.com))