Israel Aerospace Industries has made history by selecting its current chief executive Boaz Levy to simultaneously serve as board chairman, creating the first dual leadership arrangement of its kind among Israeli government-owned enterprises.
The groundbreaking appointment became official on May 13 when Defense Minister Israel Katz and Minister in charge of the Government Companies Authority Dudi Amsalem executed the formal appointment documentation. Levy’s selection followed board approval and clearance from the Senior Appointments Committee.
This decision establishes Levy in combined leadership positions at Israel Aerospace Industries, recognized as among Israel’s most significant government-controlled defense contractors. Levy has held the chief executive position since 2020.
Katz characterized the decision as an “unprecedented step” that combines “deep managerial, technological and defense experience” during Israel’s current push for enhanced military independence through what he termed a comprehensive strategic initiative.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are leading a broad-based strategic plan, with an investment of hundreds of billions of shekels, to build the military power of the State of Israel and achieve self-reliance in defense,” Katz said. He added that IAI plays “a key role in this national process.”
Amsalem indicated the selection demonstrates trust in Levy’s capabilities and aims to preserve organizational stability while enhancing the company’s global reputation and its contributions to Israel’s economic and security interests.
Levy outlined his intentions to broaden the organization’s defense and commercial operations, promote technological advancement, and expand international market presence.
“IAI is a strategic asset to the State of Israel, combining technological excellence with a national mission,” Levy said. He also thanked the company’s employees and management for what he described as “unprecedented security, technological and business achievements.”
Levy began his career at IAI in 1990 as an engineering professional working on the Arrow program and subsequently managed multiple significant defense initiatives, including the Barak program and the organization’s air-defense systems operations.
