Yom Tov Samia Steps Down as Chairman of Israeli Solar Tech Firm Apollo Power After Eight Years

Yom Tov Samia announced his resignation as chairman of Apollo Power, a position he held since August 2018. The company, which develops flexible and lightweight solar panels for surfaces unsuitable for traditional panels, is publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange with a market value of approximately 160 million shekels. Samia joined Apollo Power early in its development, shortly after it began focusing on flexible solar technologies, and guided the company through capital raises and its transition from R&D to commercial partnerships. During his tenure, he served part-time at 20% capacity, earning a cumulative salary of 2.2 million shekels over six years, and holds 0.3% of the company’s shares valued at around 400,000 shekels on paper.

Samia, 72, is a former IDF Major General who commanded the Southern Command from 1997 to 2000, leading combat operations in the Gaza sector. After retiring from the military, he entered the business sector, serving as president and CEO of the Bren Group, specializing in engineering and infrastructure. Politically, he founded the Byachad party after leaving the Labor Party, which he joined in 2017. Reports suggest Samia may join a political party ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for October 27, though he declined to comment on this.

Apollo Power was founded in 2014 by CEO Oded Rosenberg and CTO Eran Maimon. The company’s innovative solar solutions are designed for installation on weight-restricted roofs, vehicles, industrial buildings, and water reservoirs, expanding solar applicability beyond traditional setups. Samia’s departure marks the end of an eight-year leadership period during which he helped shape the company’s growth and public market presence.