Francesco Norante is currently the President of Leonardo Canada and US Corporation. In his role is leading Leonardo commercial activities in Canada across all businesses and coordinating Leonardo Corporate in US. Under Norante's leadership, Leonardo Canada has expanded its presence, employing over 400 people across five sites in the country. The company supports more than 50 civil, military, and parapublic helicopters, as well as 40 ATR aircraft, and operates five authorized helicopter service centers.
Leonardo Canada is also involved in providing radar systems for Environment Canada, cybersecurity solutions, and automation technologies for airports and postal services.
Norante emphasized innovation and collaboration, fostering partnerships with Canadian universities, innovation centers, and small to medium enterprises. In the last six years Leonardo contributed with more than $1bn with Canadian suppliers. He is also committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting initiatives like Women in Defence & Security (WiDS) and scholarships for Indigenous students in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.
Under Norante’s guidance, Leonardo Canada has become a model of transatlantic partnership, driving innovation in aerospace and defense while fostering collaboration with Canadian institutions and communities.
Previously Francesco Norante held senior executives positions within Leonardo such as Vice President, Strategic Marketing & International Sales – Critical Infrastructures & Major Sport Events, Vice President Smart Cities and Major Events. Mr. Norante led the successful campaign to deliver Perimeter Security systems for the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Gold Coast 2018 and directed several project teams from planning to final delivery.
Before joining Leonardo he was Director of Security Integration and Strategic Planning for Vancouver 2010 and Turin 2006 Olympic Games.
Francesco Norante was formerly an attorney specialized in commercial law and served in the Italian Army & Carabinieri Corps (Police Force) as senior Officer (Major). He held a variety of operational management roles including Peace-Keeping operations contingent lead (Albania-Somalia-Mozambique) and spent five years in Special Forces (Counter Terrorism).