Rome, 02 April 2026 - Leonardo announces the appointment of Michele Riccobono as Chief Executive Officer of Kopter, a fully owned Leonardo company developing the AW09 next generation single engine helicopter in Switzerland. He succeeds Marco Viola, who will take on a new role within the Leonardo Group outside the Helicopters Division.
Currently serving as Chief Technology Officer of Kopter for the last nine years, directing the development and certification of the AW09, Michele Riccobono brings extensive knowledge of the programme, the organisation and the certification environment. His leadership will ensure continuity and a sustained focus on programme execution, milestone achievement, industrial readiness, and entry into service in full alignment with Leonardo’s strategic objectives.
Since 2020, following Kopter’s acquisition by Leonardo, Marco Viola has led the company through a pivotal phase, overseeing its successful integration into the Helicopters Division and guiding the AW09 on its path toward certification. Under his leadership, Kopter strengthened its organisational foundations and significantly advanced the programme towards entry into service, in full coordination with the relevant Divisional functions.
The AW09 will further strengthen Leonardo’s presence in the light single-engine helicopter segment, representing a natural complement to its existing product portfolio.
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S). With 60,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aeronautics, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on the most important international programmes such as Eurofighter, JSF, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland, and the USA. Leonardo utilises its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and shareholdings, which include Leonardo DRS (71.4%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50% ), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (19.3%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2024 Leonardo recorded new
orders for €20.9 billion, with an order book of €44.2 billion and consolidated revenues of €17.8 billion. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
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