Israeli Railways CEO Appointment Blocked Amid Board Resignations

The committee reviewing appointments, led by retired judge Shulamit Dotan, rejected the nomination of Yaakov Marciano as acting CEO of Israel Railways. Marciano, who has served as the company's passenger VP since December, was set to replace Avner Flor, the outgoing acting CEO now appointed as chairman. The committee cited Marciano's limited and brief experience as unsuitable for the company's current needs.

The board's decision to appoint Marciano sparked immediate controversy, with two board members resigning in protest. Retired judge and board member Sarah Frish wrote to the Transportation Minister and the Minister for Regional Cooperation expressing her refusal to bear responsibility for the decision, which passed by a 4-2 majority. Following her resignation, director Shlomit Geller, who also opposed the appointment, resigned as well. Their departures left the Israel Railways board without any deputy directors, necessitating a search for replacements. There is speculation that the rejection of Marciano might prompt Frish and Geller to return to the board.

This leadership turmoil comes amid an already challenging period for Israel Railways. The last permanent CEO, Moshe (Shiko) Zane, resigned in July of the previous year. Since then, the company has been managed by acting CEOs, with the search committee preparing for another recruitment round after failing to find a suitable candidate. Avner Flor, the most recent acting CEO, has now transitioned to chairman of the company.