The University of Trieste has awarded an Honorary Master’s Degree in Naval Engineering to Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri.

The official citation reads:
 “For the industrial and strategic vision with which he has led the evolution of shipbuilding – both underwater and surface – towards a model of technological, digital and sustainable excellence, driving major innovations in the fields of energy transition, systems integration and artificial intelligence, and fostering forward-looking synergies between research, industry and education.”

The ceremony opened with a welcome address by the Rector of the University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda, followed by the reading of the citation by Paolo Gallina, Director of the Department of Engineering and Architecture. The Laudatio was delivered by Alberto Marinò, Professor of Ship Structures and Systems.

Pierroberto Folgiero’s Lectio Magistralis was entitled “Shipyard-Ready Innovation”.

The honorary degree was conferred in recognition of Mr Folgiero’s exceptional professional achievements, values and expertise. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in some of the most strategic sectors of the Italian economy: energy, telecommunications, transport and heavy industry.

At every stage, his broad vision has not only responded to change, but often anticipated it.

PROFILE: PIERROBERTO FOLGIERO

Pierroberto Folgiero has held senior leadership roles in international industrial and service groups for over 25 years, with a focus on strategy and business development. Between 2000 and 2008, during his time at Wind, he contributed to the development of fixed and mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Italy and abroad, and helped define a Tower Company model that later became an industry benchmark.

He went on to work at Tirrenia di Navigazione, where he supported the restructuring and privatisation of the company, contributing to the liberalisation of Italy’s cabotage sector.

In 2010 he joined the Maire Tecnimont Group, becoming CEO and General Manager in 2013. Over a decade, he promoted Italian industrial excellence worldwide, revitalising a historic listed company in the chemical sector, the successor to Montecatini-Montedison, and transforming it into a global leader in energy transition, hydrogen and the circular economy.

In 2022, he was appointed CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, a global leader in high-tech shipbuilding with 20,000 direct employees and 18 shipyards across four continents. He embarked on a transformation strategy centred on adapting the business to the macrotrends of the digital, green and demographic revolutions, while exploring promising adjacent sectors such as underwater technologies.

A firm believer in open innovation and cross-sector collaboration, he is actively involved in start-up analysis and selection programmes, with a strong focus on the development of innovative ideas, new business models and the promotion of young talent.