Istat is governed by the President and the Governing Board which programme, orient and evaluate the activities of the Institute, particularly its scientific and technical activities, and those of senior management.
The President is appointed by decree of the President of the Republic on the proposal of the Prime Minister after deliberation by the Council of Ministers. The President is selected from among full professors of statistical, economic and related subjects; his term of office lasts four years and may be renewed once only.
He is the legal representative of the Institute with regard to issues of a general nature, oversees Istat’s performance and ensures its technical and scientific coordination. He attends to relations with institutions and international organisations. He verifies the implementation of guidelines expressed by the Governing Board, to which he reports periodically.
As of 15 May 2023, Professor Francesco Maria Chelli took over as Acting President of Istat.
The Prime Minister’s Decree (Dpcm) of 9 May last was registered at the Court of Auditors.