Piaggio Aerospace appoints new CEO

Toninelli first joined Piaggio Aerospace in 2012.

Piaggio Aerospace has appointed Francesco Cristian Toninelli as CEO as it targets its “next phase of growth and production ramp-up”.

Toninelli’s experience and previous tenure at Piaggio led the company to bring him back following Baykar’s takeover of the company in 2025. In his most recent role as aircraft general manager, Toninelli was responsible for programme execution and customer delivery within a complex international manufacturing environment.

“Mr Toninelli brings extensive operational experience, strong technical expertise and deep knowledge of the company’s industrial activities,” said Haluk Bayraktar, chairman of the board of Piaggio Aerospace and CEO of Baykar. “We are confident that his leadership will support the continued development and long-term success of Piaggio Aerospace.”

Toninelli holds master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Politecnico di Milano and first joined Piaggio Aerospace in 2012. He served as aircraft production business unit manager and later as programme manager for the P.1HH Hammerhead UAV and the P.180 MPA, where he led development and certification activities.

Prior to his appointment as aircraft general manager at Piaggio, he spent more than seven years at OMA in senior leadership roles, including general manager and head of sales, marketing and programmes. Earlier in his career, he held procurement and contracts leadership positions at Alenia Aermacchi.