Yafit Levi Atiyas Discusses Leading Rami Levi Chain, Family, Faith, and Business Challenges
In a new episode of "Talking Food" on Walla, Ron Yohananov interviews Yafit Levi Atiyas, CEO of the Rami Levi supermarket chain and daughter of founder Rami Levi. The conversation begins with topics like pricing and private labels but quickly expands to cover family values, faith, business responsibilities, bureaucracy, and the significance of the iconic pink shopping bag.
Levi Atiyas, recognized as a leading figure in Israeli retail, emphasizes that her leadership philosophy is rooted in humility and faith, inspired by her father's mantra to share blessings with those less fortunate. She stresses that success is not personal ownership but a responsibility to serve others. Starting work at age 14 in various store roles, she gradually rose to CEO alongside her father, taking on the role two years ago with a strong sense of responsibility for the company, which generates over 7 billion shekels in sales.
She rejects the idea of breaking points, focusing instead on quick problem-solving and continuous progress. Levi Atiyas views her role as a multiplier of her father's legacy rather than a rescuer. She also highlights the importance of empowering employees by trusting their abilities and allowing them to express themselves.
On the personal side, Levi Atiyas is a mother of six and finds her anchor in observing Shabbat with her family, describing it as a time to disconnect from technology and connect deeply with loved ones. She also shares that her family primarily shops online at Rami Levi and that the pink bag's color was chosen simply because most family members are female.
Addressing business challenges, she points to bureaucracy as a major contributor to Israel's high cost of living and calls for more supportive policies for entrepreneurs. Although asked about politics, she firmly declines, preferring to influence customers directly through business. Her pride lies in the human capital of her company and her goal is to continue expanding affordable, high-quality service across Israel.
The interview concludes with a light-hearted cooking segment featuring a simple tuna and tomato pasta recipe, symbolizing the connection between business, family, and everyday life. Levi Atiyas underscores that her work is a source of meaning and creativity, impacting thousands of families who rely on Rami Levi to fill their refrigerators with dignity.
