By some measures, Claudio Descalzi is one of the most influential chief executives to lead Italian oil giant Eni SpA. But after 39 years with the company—the last six as CEO—he is on trial, facing charges that he orchestrated the company’s payment of $1.3 billion for drilling rights in Nigeria with the understanding that most of the money would be paid out in bribes. As Mr. Descalzi fights the charges in a Milan court, he is vying for a third three-year term as Eni’s CEO. He defends his tenure leading Italy’s second-largest...

Source: Wall Street Journal January 25, 2020 12:56 UTC