Former State Department official Thomas Smitham has been named chief of the U.S. business development unit at aerospace and defense conglomerate Leonardo.
Smitham, who most recently served as acting ambassador to Italy, will be responsible for helping grow the company’s market presence in the U.S through commercial campaigns and institutional interactions, Leonardo said Friday.
His diplomatic career has included time as acting U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, a political minister counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City as well as service at embassies in Peru, Belgium, the U.K. and the Holy See.
Additionally, he worked as chief of staff to the State Department’s undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment.