The board of directors of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI), a non-profit, public interest company representing all institutions involved in the Israeli diamond industry, has appointed Aviel Elia as its managing director. He replaces Eli Avidar, who joined IDI in 2007 and successfully served in this position, with a brief hiatus, until now.
Elia, an attorney, has served as legal advisor and company secretary of IDI since 2013. As a key member of IDI’s management team, Elia has been involved in developing the company strategy and negotiating all critical company transactions. He has been responsible for many aspects of corporate and operational management, including budgets, regulatory processes and implementation, and has represented the institute in dealings with government and official bodies.
IDI chairman Boaz Moldawsky said, “Aviel is very well versed in IDI’s mission and activities. He has shown leadership, initiative and commitment. We are all very pleased that he will now be leading the organisation.”
Elia added, “IDI is in a unique position to work together with all parts of the industry to strengthen the Israeli diamond sector, by initiating new projects and providing important assistance and tools to diamantaires, as we have in the past.”
Elia, who holds a BA in Business Administration and LLB from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, is enrolled for an executive MBA at Hebrew University. A security expert, he held a number of managerial positions in the State Security Services and the Israel Airports Authority’s security system.