Fincantieri is mourning the death of its president Claudio Grazianofound lifeless in his home in Rome on the morning of Monday 17 June. The body of the 70-year-old was discovered by the police, who intervened together with the magistrate on duty and the medical examiner. The Rome prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the hypothesis of the crime of incitement to suicide, necessary to proceed with the investigations of the case.
Who was Claudio Graziano
Claudio Graziano, born in Turin in 1953, had a long and prestigious career in the military world. After attending the Modena Academy, he held various command and management roles, including Chief of Defense Staff from 2015 to 2018 and president of the European Union Military Committee. From 2022, Graziano was at the helm of Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilding giant. He had recently suffered a serious loss with the death of his wife.
The circumstances of the death
Graziano’s body was found at 9.50 am by a policeman from his escort, who had a spare key to the apartment in the historic center of Rome. According to what was reported by Ansa, Graziano took his own life with a gunshot, leaving a note. Investigations are underway to clarify the circumstances of his death.
Fincantieri’s condolences and reactions
Fincantieri expressed its sorrow in an official note: “Fincantieri expresses immense sorrow for the sudden passing of General Claudio Graziano, President of the Group, which leaves a large and unbridgeable void. The CEO and general manager Pierroberto Folgiero, the Board of Directors, the board of auditors, the managers and all the employees of Fincantieri remember with emotion the extraordinary human and professional qualities that have always distinguished him in his long career”. The news of his death also had a significant impact on the stock market, with Fincantieri’s shares dropping by more than 3%.
The reactions of politicians
Giorgio Mulè, exponent of Forza Italia and vice-president of the Chamber, declared: “I am dismayed and shocked after hearing the news of the death of General Claudio Graziano. I had the honor of appreciating his extraordinary military and management skills. Above all, I remember the man, the affable and ironic person, the trait of elegance and respect that distinguished him”.
The Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, also expressed his condolences: “The passing of General Claudio Graziano leaves me speechless. He was a friend and was an extraordinary officer who brought honor to Italy even in his European roles. May a prayer accompany him on the journey to reach his bride.”
The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, added: “I am shocked by the news of the tragic death of General Claudio Graziano. He leaves us an upright servant of the State, who throughout his life honored the Nation, the Armed Forces and the Institutions with dedication, competence and professionalism. I would like to extend, on my behalf and that of the entire Government, my condolences and closeness to his family and loved ones.”
The career of Claudio Graziano
Graziano attended the Military Academy of Modena from 1972 to 1974 and the Application School of Turin from 1974 to 1976, graduating in Military Strategic Sciences. He also obtained degrees in Diplomatic and International Sciences from the University of Trieste and a Master’s degree in Strategic Sciences. He has held numerous command positions in the Italian Army, including those of Commander of the “Susa” Alpine battalion and of the “Kabul Multinational Brigade” in Afghanistan.
In January 2007, he was appointed Force Commander of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, becoming responsible for the UN forces and reconstruction and relief activities in the country. Subsequently, he held the role of Chief of Staff of the Army and, from 2015 to 2018, that of Chief of Defense Staff. From 2018 to 2022, he was President of the Military Committee of the European Union.
In May 2022, Graziano became President of the Board of Directors of Fincantieri and, subsequently, President of Assonave. He was awarded numerous decorations and honors, and had written several books and academic articles. His death leaves an unfillable void in the Italian military and industrial community.
Today.it reports it
