Israel Bonds Announces New CEO, Israel (Izzy) Tapoohi

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Israel (Izzy) Tapoohi, widely regarded as one of Israel's leading business executives, is the new president and CEO of Development Corporation for Israel (DCI)/Israel Bonds, a U.S. corporation established in 1951 and headquartered in New York to underwrite securities issued by Israel's Finance Ministry.

In praising the appointment, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said, "It has become increasingly apparent that Israel bonds are excellent investments, and we are confident that Izzy Tapoohi, with his proactive approach and exceptional business acumen, will increase not only sales, but also the diversity of investors adding Israel bonds to their portfolios."

Tapoohi stated his agenda will be to "emphasize a two-part message: Israel bonds are a significant means of meeting financial goals - particularly in this challenging economic climate - while simultaneously expressing support for Israel and expanding its impressive economic achievements." 

He noted Israel has never defaulted on principal or interest on any of the securities it has issued, an important consideration resulting in over $33 billion in worldwide sales from an array of investors, including 22 state governments. 

States and state pension plans purchasing Israel bonds in 2011 include: Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, in addition to many municipalities nationwide.

Born in Israel and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Mr. Tapoohi was a Zionist activist in New South Wales and served as chairman of the local aliyah organization.  In 1979, he immigrated with his family to Israel.

Tapoohi brings an outstanding level of experience to the Bonds organization.  Highly regarded for his private sector expertise and insights, he served as a top executive for many of Israel's most prominent companies, including chairman of the board of Africa-Israel Investments and executive chairman of the board of Bezeq, Israel's telecommunications provider and largest corporation.

Tapoohi was also founder and CEO of InQSOFT, Ltd., which evaluated early-stage start-ups and provided recommendations to top-level international investors.

Moreover, Tapoohi was a member of Prime Minister Netanyahu's "100 Days" team, helping to prepare economic guidelines to ensure stability in the face of the ongoing global economic crisis.

He also served as an advisor to the first Netanyahu government, acting as the prime minister's emissary to foreign investors and coordinating the think-tank that advised the government on economic policy.

Development Corporation for Israel (DCI)/Israel Bonds, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, is widely recognized as being among the catalysts for Israel's rapid evolution from struggling agrarian nation to global economic powerhouse. DCI, Canada-Israel Securities, Ltd., and Israel Bonds International (Europe and Latin America), have secured worldwide sales that, to date, total in excess of $33 billion.

Contact:
Marco Greenberg
212.362.1307
[email protected]

SOURCE Israel Bonds