An Executive Search Committee headed by Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive Isaac Herzog selected Amira Ahronoviz as CEO and Director General. Josh Schwarcz was appointed Director of External Relations, in addition to his current role as Secretary General. Both will work under Isaac Herzog’s leadership and together bring change to the organization. 

 

“I am leading The Jewish Agency toward a period of significant change, together with our excellent management and employees,” Herzog said. “I’m confident Amira will be an outstanding CEO who will bring great energy to the position and our organization. I’m also certain Josh will draw on his tremendous experience to lead his new areas of responsibility.”

 

Ahronoviz will begin to serve in her new role as of January 1, 2019, and is expected to be formally approved for the position when the organization’s board of governors convenes in February.

 

Ahronoviz, 47, has served in a variety of management positions since she joined the organization after completion of her IDF service, including as Director of Partnerships; head of the Finance Division; and Vice President of Strategy, Planning and Content; and most recently, Deputy Director General and Chief Operating Officer. Ahronovich is a graduate of the Mandel Leadership Institute in Jerusalem.

 

Schwarcz, 48, has served as Secretary General since 2001. His new responsibilities will include overseeing the organization’s international relations. Schwarcz began his work at The Jewish Agency soon after immigrating to Israel from Canada in the early 1990s.