PRINTBorn 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.
CURRENT POSITION
Mr. Deste is General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division and has been appointed as Member of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali Board, as Member of Naviris Board, as Member of Nextech Board and as President of E-Phors Board. Furthermore, he is President of Fincantieri Marine Group, in Washington D.C. since August 2018.
LATEST ASSIGNMENTS
He is Member of the Atlantic Council.
From 2022 till 2023 he was CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali Board.
From 2017 till 2023 he was Chairman of Fincantieri Australia.
From 2018 to May 2022, he has been CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. In this role 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.
CAREER
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 important 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.