The Management

Since its founding in 1965, The Cannon Group has remained an independent company, privately owned by the Volpato and Fiorentini families. With active involvement from these founding families, the group has maintained its commitment to independence and long-term success.

Under the leadership of Marco Volpato, President and Chairman, The Cannon Group has flourished significantly over the past five decades. A critical factor in Cannon’s enduring success is its team of experienced professionals who manage the group’s diverse companies. Managing directors function as general managers, leveraging their deep industry knowledge to steer their respective businesses effectively. Their direct alignment with the president’s vision enables them to execute the group’s strategy with precision, ensuring that Cannon consistently upholds its high standards, and paving the road for the next generation to continue the group’s legacy.

Cannon’s independence is a defining feature of its business approach. By avoiding external investors and financial pressures, Cannon has been able to prioritize its employees’ well-being, fostering a loyal and committed workforce. This emphasis on people over profits has fostered a strong, loyal employee base and provided stability during challenging times, and uphold its core values, making it a respected leader in the industry.

Board members

Born in Verbania, Italy, in 1945, Marco Volpato holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from the State His academic path includes a brief tenure as an assistant in Cybernetics at the Physics Department. He then earned the first two-year Italian MBA from Bocconi University in ’71-’73, and later pursued further studies at Harvard University and MIT.   He began his career as a System Analyst at Honeywell Information Systems before stepping into a leadership role at Cannon in 1974 following his father’s passing. At that time, Cannon was a small business focused on machinery for polyurethane foam production.

Under his leadership, Cannon rapidly expanded into all polyurethane applications, achieving international growth and securing a global leadership position in machinery for polyurethane foam products. Key industries benefiting from Cannon’s innovations include refrigeration, transport, and insulation.

From 1987 onward, Marco diversified Cannon’s focus, driving the company’s entry into sectors like plastics, composite materials, electronics, energy, and water treatment. This shift emphasized energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and industrial automation. Today, The Cannon Group comprises 29 companies worldwide, employing approximately 1,220 people, and remains dedicated to continuous research and development.

Daniela Piatti embarked on her professional journey at Cannon Afros in 1975, shortly before turning 20. Over nearly five decades, Daniela played a pivotal role in Cannon’s growth, contributing across multiple departments. Initially starting as an accountant, she pursued a degree in Statistics from the Catholic University of Milan while steadily rising through the ranks.

Her diverse career includes roles in Human Resources, trade show organization, internal management systems, and corporate finance. She was instrumental in establishing Cannon’s first foreign branches and oversaw the administrative integration of key acquisitions like the Bono and Sandretto Groups.

As part of the Corporate Finance Group, Daniela managed financial statements, banking relations, and financing. She later led Cannon Automata before becoming Corporate CFO. In 2016, Daniela joined the Board of Directors of Cannon S.p.A., shaping the company’s strategic direction. Today, Daniela enjoys painting, exploring nature, and creating lasting memories with her grandchildren.

Born in 1964, Francesco Fiorentini holds a degree in Management Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano and an MBA from Bocconi University. He began his academic career as a researcher at the Italian National Research Council (CNR), focusing on expert systems applied to mechanical technologies, and has published his work in international journals.

In his professional journey, Francesco started as a Sales Engineer at a polyurethane system house in Germany. He then moved to the R&D department of a company specializing in thermoplastic extrusion machinery in Austria. In 1995, he joined The Cannon Group, where he established the mold division and became its head. During this period, he and his team focused mainly on the domestic refrigerators market, providing thermoforming and polyurethane foaming molds to the market’s major OEMs.

By 1999, he was appointed General Manager of the thermoforming division in the UK, a position he held until 2012. During these years, he worked with passion on developing this technology, also filing several patents. Since 2012 he has been a board member of The Cannon Group, alongside his role as Head of Group Procurement.

Born in Milan, Italy, in 1974, Leonardo Volpato graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 1999 and later earned an Executive MBA in General Management from SDA Bocconi.

His career began in the UK, where he gained technical expertise at Pirelli Optical Fibre, followed by project management roles at Siemens and Cobra Automotive Technologies. In these roles, he successfully managed complex international projects, further honing his leadership skills. In 2009, Leonardo joined Cannon, initially working in the plastics division, where he leveraged his expertise to manage intercompany business, overseeing up to five companies within the group and delivering integrated solutions.

By 2011, Leonardo transitioned into Business Development roles focused on the energy and water industries. His forward-thinking approach advanced innovative projects and drove expansion into new markets, reflecting his commitment to future-focused solutions.

Since 2016, Leonardo has served as General Manager of Cannon Bono. Under his leadership, the industrial boilers business has significantly expanded its international presence and transformed After Sales Services into a dedicated business line.

As of 2021, he also serves on the Governing Body of the UCC (Union of Boiler Manufacturers in Italy), under Anima, the Association of Machinery.

Silvana Clerici began her professional journey in 1981 at Cannon Afros, shortly after graduating from a Technical Commercial Institute. She started her career in the administrative department, focusing on credit recovery and collections.

In 1989, she played a key administrative role in establishing The Cannon Group Holding company.

Over the past 45 years, Silvana has overseen the administrative and financial operations of the many companies within The Cannon Group. She has personally led the administration of the parent company, managed the preparation of The Group’s consolidated financial statements, and coordinated acquisitions, mergers, and the incorporation of new companies, as well as all corporate and tax-related activities across The Group. Throughout her career, she has actively contributed to the company’s administrative and financial strategy.

In 2024, Silvana joined the Board of Directors of Cannon S.p.A., as well as several other Group companies, bringing with her extensive administrative expertise and historical knowledge of The Group.

Outside of work, her passions include photography, travel, and creating crochet pieces by hand.