Eurofighter pays tribute to the life of Carlo Mancusi 

Eurofighter, and those connected to the Company, were extremely saddened by the death of Carlo Mancusi, its Chief Executive, in December 2022.

Carlo Mancusi

For anyone that knew Carlo, he was a kind, gentle, and intelligent soul, who would light up a room with his smile and energy.

He had a distinguished career at Leonardo, particularly on the Eurofighter programme, which was set to come to a fitting end with his posting as CEO of the programme, here in Hallbergmoos.

Wherever his talents took him during a long and varied career, Carlo was always asked to take on leadership roles and was highly regarded by those who worked alongside him – and for him – as an approachable and inspirational leader.

Carlo was a committed Leonardo employee, having worked for the company under its various guises for several decades. He started his career there, more than 40 years ago, in 1981, after gaining a Degree in Engineering from the Politecnico in Turin. He went on to have a career that was deep and varied.

Carlo began his working life in the Material & Processes Laboratory in July 1981 and worked there until 1995 when he started his rise in the company. By 1990 he had been appointed Head of the Laboratory and later was placed in charge of the entire Laboratory Department.

Carlo left that environment in 1995 when he switched to the role of Programme Manager for Dassault programmes. Twelve months later he was named Turin Plant Manager and progressed to Head of Integrated Logistic Support.

In 1999 he took on a key role in the Italian Eurofighter programme when he was given the responsibility of being the Eurofighter Plant Manager - a position he held for six years. In 2005 he was appointed Head of the Eurofighter Programme.

Further promotions between January 2011 to August 2012 saw Carlo appointed Head of Product Unit for Defence Aircraft. From September 2012 and September 2013 he was Head of Production for Defence Aircraft.

He moved on to become Deputy Chief Programme Officer and between July 2014 and August 2016 Head of Defence Programme and Special Versions. In 2019 he took on the title of Head of the Fighter Business.

Carlo’s last Leonardo role was as Head of the Fighter Business. In that position he was responsible for both the Eurofighter and Joint Strike Fighter programmes for the Aircraft Division.

Carlo was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH from 1 January 2022, when he succeeded Herman Claesen.

Though his tenure was tragically cut short, he made a significant impact. In June, at ILA in Berlin, he signed the Halcon contract with NETMA and Eurojet for 20 new Eurofighter aircraft for Spain.

Carlo beamed with delight throughout ILA, stating that the order highlighted the current and future strength of the programme – ensuring Eurofighter continues as the backbone of European air defence “for many years to come”.

Carlo was also a recognisable figure around the Eurofighter offices – never too busy to talk to anyone from inside or outside the Company. His door was always open – metaphorically and physically – and he brought a unique humility which radiated around the ABC Building and beyond.

Wherever he went, his passion for the programme and his dedication to making the collaboration work was clear to all. He leaves a strong legacy and will be missed by many.

Carlo is succeeded as CEO by Wolfgang Gammel COOP on an interim basis.