Italian classification and engineering group RINA has announced the appointment of Paolo Moretti as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. The move brings a seasoned maritime professional to the helm as the Genoa‑based organization continues its aggressive expansion across global maritime services.
Leadership transition
Moretti, who previously served as General Manager and head of RINA’s Marine and Certification businesses, succeeds Carlo Luzzatto, who took over the role in December 2023 following the entry of Fondo Italiano d’Investimento (FII) into the shareholder structure. Executive Chairman Ugo Salerno will retain his position, while Giosuè Vezzuto steps into the role of Chief Executive of RINA Services, the group’s core classification and certification arm.
Moretti’s extensive RINA experience
A naval engineer by training, Moretti joined RINA in 1997. Over the past three decades he has held several senior positions, including:
- General Manager of the Marine Business
- Executive Vice‑President of Marine Strategic Development
- Chief Commercial Officer
- Head of RINA Services (2020‑2026)
His deep familiarity with RINA’s operations, combined with a track record of commercial growth, positions him well to lead the group into its next phase.
Strategic context and growth outlook
RINA has more than doubled its revenues in the last five years, driven by a series of strategic acquisitions that have broadened its engineering and technical capabilities. Notable purchases include Finnish naval architecture specialist Foreship, which strengthened RINA’s design portfolio.
The leadership change follows the 2023 investment by FII, which committed up to €180 million for a minority stake alongside controlling shareholder Registro Italiano Navale. The capital infusion enabled RINA to accelerate its international expansion strategy, targeting growth in four key pillars:
- Maritime services and certification
- Infrastructure and port consultancy
- Advanced engineering and digital solutions
- Strategic acquisitions in emerging markets
With Moretti at the top, the board expects to reinforce the group’s presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia‑Pacific, leveraging his long‑standing relationships with ship owners, classification societies and regulatory bodies.
Looking ahead
Industry observers note that Moretti’s appointment signals continuity in RINA’s strategic direction while providing fresh momentum for its expansion agenda. The next steps are likely to involve:
- Launching integrated digital platforms for vessel compliance
- Expanding certification services for green‑shipping initiatives
- Deepening partnerships with shipyards and offshore developers
RINA’s evolution under Moretti will be closely watched by the maritime sector, as the group seeks to balance its historic classification heritage with the demands of a rapidly digitising and decarbonising industry.