Titan names Francesco Valente as CEO

Ship repair company, Titan, comprised of Vigor (Portland, Seattle, Ketchikan), MHI (Norfolk, Va.), and Continental Maritime (San Diego, Calif.), recently announced the appointment of Francesco Valente as CEO, effective September 23.

Valente will replace Jim “Marco” Marcotuli, who is retiring after five years leading the company and nearly five decades as a leader and executive in the aerospace, defense and manufacturing sectors, Titan noted in a press release. 

Valente joins Titan with more than 20 years of experience running business operations globally, including as CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group.

“Titan is a well-known leader in ship repair and fabrication, with a particularly strong reputation supporting our national defense,” Valente said in a statement. “Titan’s values and priorities have helped thousands of family-wage, skilled workers build an award-winning safety culture and a sterling record of quality performance. I am excited about the opportunity to join a team and a business committed to customer success and to find new, creative ways to support that goal.”

Titan’s statement highlighted Valente’s background of 20 years running business operations globally, including service as CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, the parent company’s U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair operation. At Fincantieri, Valente worked to transform the company’s Wisconsin-based facilities into a leading builder of U.S. Navy vessels on cutting-edge programs, the company said. He joins Titan from Beretta, where he has led U.S. operations since 2019, transitioning manufacturing to a new, purpose-built plant in Tennessee.

Valente is joining as Titan continues its growth in multiple markets, the company noted. Recent work includes multiple U.S. Navy availabilities at each shipyard, completion of the prototype and new construction of the first four Maneuver Support Vehicle (Light) vessels for the U.S. Army, and a range of commercial projects.

“It has been an honor to lead the Titan team for these last five years, and to grow the business into a leading supporter of our national defense,” Marcotuli said. “With the business in such a strong position, this was an ideal time to step back after nearly five decades of work, particularly with such a talented and respected leader in Francesco taking the helm.”

Valente will join Titan on September 23, with Marcotuli taking on a role as a board member and advisor. Valente will be based at Titan’s headquarters in Portland, Oregon.