Leonardo Simonelli Santi was born in Siena in 1939.  Following degrees in Physics and Chemistry, post-graduate studies included an MA from Birbeck College, University of London and a business administration course at Illinois University and IBJ Tokyo.

In 1969 he was appointed Adviser to IMI Istituto Mobiliare Italiano for the financing of applied research projects and the setting up of the research department.  In 1972 he was a Foreign Department Officer based in Brussels and in 1973 was made responsible for the Export Credit Department in Rome.  In 1977 he became Chairman of IMI’s UK subsidiary, and in 1984 was responsible for IMI’s International Division.

In 1986 he established Etrufin Reserco Limited in the City of London where he continues to be Managing Director. Etrufin offered financial services and representation to Italian regional banks.

He was elected President of Finest in 1993, an Italian financial services company specialising in Central and Eastern Europe.  His term of office expired in April 1999.  He was Chairman of the International Savings Banks in London from 1989-91 And Director of many Italian and international companies (including I.I.C.Y., Interfund, Fonditalia and INSUD).

He served as Vice-President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK during the years 1986-94 and was appointed President in 1994.  Additionally, in 1999 he was elected Director of the European Chambers of Assocamerestero, Rome.

In 2001 he was appointed Group Senior Advisor to Gruppo Banca Popolare di Lodi and President of Simonelli Santi Co SpA.

In 2005 he was elected onto the board of MPS Banca Personale.

He is the author of numerous publications in Italian, American and British journals and participated in various conferences relating to international trade and its financing with a specialist view on East-West relations.

Married with 3 children, his main leisure interests are tennis and shooting.