Rakefet Russak-Aminoach has been appointed as Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) CEO, the board of directors headed by chairman David Brodet decided today. The appointment is still subject to the approval of the Bank of Israel and will only be valid after the required regulatory approvals are received.
The bank's board of directors convened today to choose a new CEO to replace Galia Maor who steps down in the second quarter, after 17 years at the helm. Russak-Aminoach had the support of Brodet but he is one of only 14 members of the board, although it was difficult to imagine the board overruling his recommendation.
Russak-Aminoach, 46, has served as the bank's deputy CEO and head of the Business Division, and has been groomed as a successor by Maor after serving as her assistant. She has an MBA, LL.B and BA Accountancy from Tel Aviv University and has worked at Leumi for the past eight years.
She was facing off against a very strong candidate in Roni Hizkiyahu, 60 who has 28 years of experience in banking in Israel and abroad, as well as serving as the Supervisor of Banks at the Bank of Israel.
Brodet said, "I am convinced that through her ability and talent, she will lead the bank to major achievements."
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 12, 2012
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