Israeli Railways Acting CEO Appointment Blocked by Dotan Committee Over Experience Concerns

The Dotan Committee, responsible for reviewing appointments, has rejected the nomination of Yaakov Marciano, Israel Railways' Deputy Passenger Director, as acting CEO. The committee cited Marciano's limited experience in the railway sector, noting he has held his current role for only seven months. The Israel Railways board had approved his appointment last week by a 4-2 vote, prompting two board members, retired judge Sarah Frish and Shlomit Geller, to resign in protest, calling the decision "unfit" and refusing to take responsibility for it.

Marciano previously competed for the permanent CEO position in the first tender but was not appointed despite meeting the requirements and reaching the final stage. The need for an acting CEO arose after the previous acting CEO, Avner Flor, was appointed chairman of the Israel Railways board. However, Marciano's appointment remains pending until a new acting CEO is found.

Sources familiar with the situation suggest that Avi Almaliach, currently Deputy Director of Planning and Operations and a former acting CEO for several months, is the likely candidate to fill the role. The CEO position has been vacant since Shiko Zana's departure. Almaliach initially replaced Zana but took an extended leave in March, during which Flor served as acting CEO. Both Flor and Almaliach did not participate in either the first or current CEO tenders, with the search committee still seeking candidates from the private sector.