Veteran Hapoalim infrastructure finance executive Lior Manser resigns unexpectedly

Lior Manser, head of project finance and national infrastructure in the business division at Bank Hapoalim, resigned unexpectedly on Sunday morning, according to Calcalist. He had held the role for 13 years and had worked at the bank for 30 years, making him one of its longest-serving senior managers.

Manser had reportedly wanted to leave during the tenure of former CEO Dov Kotler, but was persuaded to stay. His departure comes as Bank Hapoalim’s infrastructure financing activity has been in focus because of a major power-sector deal.

Manser led the financing for the Eshkol power station, a transaction now under scrutiny by the Israel Competition Authority. The regulator is examining whether Ran Shelach, the manager of Noy Fund, violated antitrust rules during the process.