El Al Appoints Levi Halevi as New CEO; CFO Yaakov Shahar to Retire

El Al Israel Airlines announced a major leadership transition this afternoon, with the appointment of Levi Halevi as the airline’s new Chief Executive Officer. The decision was made by El Al’s Board of Directors, following the recommendation of a search committee established to oversee the recruitment process.

Halevi, who has already served as CEO of El Al for the past seven years, has now been officially reappointed to continue in the role, solidifying the board's confidence in his leadership during a period marked by recovery, innovation, and strategic growth.

A Veteran in Tech and Finance

Prior to his time at El Al, Halevi led the technology division of the Discount Group and held various senior roles in the financial and technological sectors, including:

• Deputy CEO at Menora Mivtachim

• Director of Development at Bank Hapoalim

• CEO of the Malam Group

• CEO of Consist Systems

Board Chairman Amikam Ben-Zvi praised Halevi’s reappointment, stating:

"Levi brings with him rich management experience and a deep understanding of the financial and technological world. His leadership has played a critical role in positioning El Al for future success."

Ben-Zvi also thanked outgoing CEO Dina Ben-Tal Gennasia for her years of service, noting her "significant contribution to the company’s operations and recovery efforts."

CFO Yaakov Shahar Announces Retirement

In a parallel development, Yaakov Shahar, El Al’s long-serving Chief Financial Officer, announced he will step down at the end of November 2025. Shahar has been with the company since 2006, holding various key financial roles, including Treasurer and CFO.

Throughout his tenure, Shahar played a pivotal role in:

• Leading aircraft financing deals

• Managing financial risks and capital market operations

• Guiding IPO processes

• Overseeing budget planning, investor relations, and financial reporting

Gil Feldman to Take Over as CFO

El Al also announced the appointment of CPA Gil Feldman as the airline’s new Chief Financial Officer. Feldman currently serves as Deputy CFO and Head of the Economics, Budget and Business Development Department, a position he has held since joining El Al in 2020.

In his current role, Feldman has led:

• Formulation of the company’s annual budget and business plan

• Strategic financial modeling and investment decisions

• Oversight of subsidiaries including Tamam and Sun D’Or

• Chairmanship of the Bornstein Board of Directors

Looking Ahead

With these leadership changes, El Al signals a commitment to continuity and strategic planning, while positioning the company to address the evolving challenges of the global aviation industry. Both Halevi and Feldman are expected to play leading roles in advancing El Al’s financial resilience, technological modernization, and global competitiveness.