Famous Israeli Business People

Avi Arad is an Israeli-American film producer known for his prominent roles within the entertainment industry. He started as the CEO of Toy Biz before transitioning to become the chief creative officer of Marvel Entertainment and founding Marvel Studios. Throughout his career, Arad has been involved in producing and sometimes writing various live-action, animated, and television comic book adaptations. Notable works include the critically acclaimed "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2018.

Lyor Cohen is a prominent figure in the American music industry, with over 30 years of experience in hip hop. He began by managing rappers at Rush Productions and later held leadership positions at Def Jam and Warner Music Group. In 2012, Cohen founded his own independent label, 300 Entertainment, before joining YouTube as the Global Head of Music in 2016. Throughout his career, Cohen has demonstrated a strong passion for music and a keen business acumen, shaping the industry with his innovative approaches.

Adam Neumann is an Israeli-American billionaire businessman and investor known for co-founding WeWork in 2010. He served as the CEO of WeWork until 2019 when he resigned amidst investor pressure. Following this, Neumann co-founded a family office called 166 2nd Financial Services with his wife to manage their wealth, focusing on real estate and venture startups investments. As of February 2024, his estimated net worth is around US$2.2 billion.

Safra A. Catz is an Israeli-American billionaire banker and technology executive who has served as the CEO of Oracle Corporation since April 1999. She has been a board member since 2001. Catz was named co-president and chief financial officer in April 2011, and later became a joint CEO in September 2014 alongside Mark Hurd. Following Hurd's resignation in September 2019, Catz became the sole CEO of Oracle. She has played a key role in the company's executive leadership for over two decades.

Haim Saban is a prominent Israeli-American media proprietor, investor, and producer known for his vast contributions to the entertainment industry. With a net worth of $2.8 billion, he has established himself as a key figure in financial services, entertainment, and media sectors. Saban is the founder of Saban Entertainment, recognized for producing popular children's television programs like Power Rangers. He has also played a pivotal role in acquiring major broadcasters and is actively involved in political and philanthropic endeavors, notably supporting the Democratic Party and pro-Israel causes.

Edouard de Rothschild is a prominent businessman known for his contributions in various industries. He has been actively involved in the French branch of the Rothschild family, playing a significant role in the family's business ventures. With a keen business acumen, he has successfully managed and led various projects, establishing himself as a respected figure in the business world. His strategic decisions and leadership have played a crucial role in the success and growth of the enterprises he has been associated with.

Shai Agassi is an Israeli entrepreneur renowned for his work in the electric vehicle industry. He founded and served as CEO of Better Place, a company focused on utilizing electric cars as an alternative to fossil fuel technology. Prior to this, Agassi held a leadership position at SAP AG. He has been recognized for his influential contributions, including being named one of TIME's "Heroes of the Environment" and being featured in TIME magazine's list of the 100 most influential people. Agassi has also founded and sold multiple technology startups and holds numerous patents in software, automotive, and energy infrastructure.

Neil Druckmann is an Israeli-American writer, creative director, designer, and programmer known for his work at Naughty Dog. He co-created acclaimed game franchises Uncharted and The Last of Us. Starting as an intern, he progressed to roles like programmer, designer, and co-lead game designer on successful titles like Uncharted 2. He excelled as writer and creative director on The Last of Us series, receiving numerous awards. Druckmann's achievements include co-leading the development of games, writing comics, and working on the TV adaptation of The Last of Us.

Yosef Abramowitz is an Israeli-American environmentalist and solar energy advocate. He is the president and CEO of Energiya Global Capital, an investment platform that finances green energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. He co-founded the Arava Power Company and served as its President. Abramowitz has a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Public Policy from Boston University and a Master of Arts in Magazine Journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He moved from Massachusetts to Kibbutz Ketura in 2006 and has been instrumental in advancing solar energy initiatives.

Meshulam Riklis was an Israeli financier and businessman known for his extensive career in the financial industry. He was a prominent figure in the business world, involved in various ventures and investments. Riklis had a reputation for his strategic acumen and sharp business sense, often making successful deals and acquisitions. Throughout his professional life, he established himself as a shrewd businessman with a keen eye for lucrative opportunities, contributing significantly to the financial landscape with his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Arcadi Aleksandrovich Gaydamak is a prominent Russian-born French-Israeli businessman, philanthropist, and President of the Congress of Jewish Religious Communities and Organizations of Russia. He has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts during the War in Bosnia and has held multiple nationalities. Gaydamak's diverse investments span real estate, mining, media, food distribution, and oil fields in various countries, including France, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Angola. Despite fluctuations in his net worth due to legal battles and economic downturns, he remains known for his significant contributions to various industries.

Rebecka Belldegrun is a highly accomplished ophthalmologist, billionaire businesswoman, and investor with Finnish, Israeli, and American citizenship. She has made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology through her innovative research and clinical practice. As a successful entrepreneur, she has built a thriving business empire and made strategic investments across various industries. Her expertise and leadership have earned her a reputation as a prominent figure in the business and medical communities, inspiring others with her achievements and philanthropic endeavors.

Bruce Rappaport was a prominent international banker and financier known for his successful career in the financial industry. He established himself as a respected figure within the banking sector, demonstrating expertise in managing financial operations on a global scale. Rappaport's contributions to the field were widely recognized, and he built a reputation for his strategic vision and astute business acumen. Throughout his professional life, he played a significant role in shaping the landscape of international finance and banking, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

Yaron Versano is a successful entrepreneur in the real estate sector, known for his business acumen and strategic vision. He co-founded a prominent real estate company with his brother, which became a leading player in the industry. Their business ventures also extended to the hospitality sector, where they operated a luxury hotel. Versano's career highlights include the sale of the Versano Hotel in a significant deal. His professional achievements reflect his dedication, drive, and ability to navigate the business landscape successfully.