Dario Deste

Dario Deste assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marine Group, Washington D.C. in August of 2018. Dario was promoted in May 2022 to General Manager of Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, however he remains the President of FMG.

He was previously the chairman of Fincantieri Australia, a role in which he managed the shipbuilder’s participation in the competitive evaluation process to deliver nine Future Frigates to the Royal Australian Navy.

Furthermore, he is a board member of various Fincantieri companies.

Dario joined Fincantieri in 2007, and was later appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marine Systems North America, which is a sustainment company dedicated to research, design and production of marine systems and components in the U.S.

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, BAE System and Leonardo.
Prior to his career in the private sector, Dario served as an Italian naval pilot onboard various ships and naval bases. He also deployed abroad for an extensive period of time to participate in several NATO operations.

In 1983, he was selected to participate in the United States Naval Aviation Program. He became a Naval Aviator - both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft - in 1985.

Dario was 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.

In his free time, Dario enjoys playing tennis, sailing and skiing.

Dario is married with a daughter and two sons.