Amira Aharonovich has been named the first woman to serve as CEO of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Aharonovich, 47, has spent her entire career at the Jewish Agency and has served in a number of management positions at the organization. She holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree in business administration and is a graduate of the Mandel Leadership Institute in Jerusalem.
She is succeeding longtime CEO Alan Hoffmann.
Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog said in a statement that he was "confident Amira will be an outstanding CEO who will bring great energy to the position and our organization."
Aharonovich's appointment takes effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and is subject to formal confirmation by the Jewish Agency board of directors, which is scheduled to convene in February.
The Jewish Agency has also decided to appoint Josh Schwarcz as head of external relations.
Herzog said he was certain Schwarcz would "draw on his tremendous experience to lead his new areas of responsibility, both in Israel and around the world."
