Francesco De Leo holds a degree in Political Economy from Bocconi University in Milan. He obtained a PhD in Management (Strategy and Organisation) from the University of California, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the CASD (Centre for Advanced Defence Studies) in Rome.

He has over 30 years’ international experience in the fields of strategy, innovation, governance and international development, gained in Europe and the United States. He held academic posts at Bocconi University, LUISS and UCLA, combining his research activities with significant managerial and governance experience garnered in leading organisations, in the telecommunications, finance, technology and innovation sectors.

Throughout his career, he has held senior management roles and positions on the Boards of Directors of leading companies and institutions, such as Telecom Italia, WIND, UBI Banca, Sirti, Prodea Systems, Tellas, the Italy China Foundation and Cap Gemini.

In September 2024, he joined Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group as Chief International Officer. On 1 January 2025, he became Chief Global Strategy & International, in charge of defining the Group’s strategies and coordinating national and international business development initiatives.

He is the current Chairman of FS Italian Railways USA Inc., Chairman of the Board of Qbuzz in the Netherlands, a member of the Board of Directors of ILSA in Spain, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of FS Rail Construction. In 2024, he was appointed Science & Innovation Advisor for Europe by the Business Council for International Understanding in Washington D.C.

In 1999, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.