Yehuda Setton has been elected CEO of the Jewish Agency for Israel by a nomination committee led by the organization’s chairman, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog.
Setton will replace Amira Ahronoviz, who has held the position for the past six years, in October.
Setton, 42, currently serves as the agency’s chief operating officer and chief program officer, managing the organization’s activities in 66 countries. Over the past 16 years, he has held a long series of positions at the agency’s headquarters and in the field, including as director of the shlichut (Israeli emissaries) unit.
Setton holds a master’s degree in Israel studies, with a focus on American Judaism, from the University of Haifa, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in human resources and management from the College of Management Academic Studies.
Ahronoviz held a variety of positions at the agency including under its past chairman, Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
“I thank Amira Ahronoviz for leading the Jewish Agency through challenging times and global crises with commitment, professionalism and extraordinary vision,” Almog said. “The mark she left on the organization is priceless and will contribute to the success of the Jewish Agency forever.
“I am confident Yehuda Setton’s extensive experience across the Jewish Agency’s operations will contribute to his success in his new position, and know he will continue to lead the organization’s work with great dedication,” he added.
“We will continue to work towards the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the State of Israel, to bring tens of thousands of olim to Israel, to strengthen Israeli society, and to connect Jewish communities around the world to one another and to Israel towards a prosperous and unified future for the entire Jewish people,” Almog said.