Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz today appointed Haim Shani, CEO of NICE Systems (Nasdaq: NICE; TASE: NICE), as director general of the ministry in pace of Yarom Ariav. Ariav is due to leave after the 2009-2010 budget is approved by the Knesset in a week's time.
Shani holds an MBA, and a first degree in industrial engineering and management.
Two months ago, Erez Vigodman, outgoing CEO of the Strauss Group, was mentioned as a possible successor to Ariav. Vigodman reportedly refused the position. It was subsequently announced that he would replace Avraham Bigger as president and CEO of Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd. (TASE: MAIN) in October.
Ariav's term as director general of the Ministry of Finance began in January 2007, when Abraham Hirchson was minister. Since then, he has served under Ehud Olmert, Ronnie Bar-On, and Steinitz.
NICE Systems said that the company did not respond to rumors. The Ministry of Finance spokesperson and the finance minister's bureau categorically denied the report.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on July 8, 2009
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