Arrow maker IAI selects missile division chief Guy Bar Lev as next CEO
The appointment, subject to ministerial approval, puts the head of Israel Aerospace Industries' most profitable business unit in charge as the state-owned defense company prepares for a planned IPO.
The board of directors of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has approved the appointment of Guy Bar Lev, the company's executive vice president and head of its Systems, Missiles and Space Systems Division, as its next CEO. The move follows the appointment of former CEO Boaz Levy as chairman about two months ago.
Following Levy's appointment as chairman, Moshe Levy, head of IAI's Military Aircraft Group, was named acting CEO. Bar Lev emerged as the leading candidate for the permanent role and was selected by a search committee chaired by Boaz Levy and comprising other senior company executives.
Bar Lev currently heads IAI's Systems, Missiles and Space Systems Division, widely regarded as the company's most profitable business unit. The division is responsible for many of IAI's flagship missile defense and satellite programs and has been a major driver of the company's growth in recent years.
The appointment still requires the approval of Defense Minister Israel Katz and Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem, who is responsible for the Government Companies Authority. Until those approvals are received, Bar Lev will serve as acting CEO.
Bar Lev joined IAI a decade ago and was appointed acting head of the Systems, Missiles and Space Systems Division in 2020, when Boaz Levy was promoted from the role to become the company's CEO. A year later, Bar Lev was formally appointed to lead the division.
Before joining IAI, Bar Lev served in a series of senior positions in the Israel Defense Forces. His roles included deputy commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, and he retired from the military in 2015 with the rank of brigadier general.
Announcing the appointment, Chairman Boaz Levy said: "The board of directors has full confidence in Guy Bar Lev's abilities and experience to lead the company as it continues its growth trajectory and navigates the business and technological challenges ahead, including the company's planned IPO."
Bar Lev said: "The company has undergone a significant business transformation in recent years and achieved unprecedented results. We still have a long way to go to realize its full potential and strengthen our position in both existing and new markets."
