Rafael Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rafael has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and operations.

Driven by innovation, Rafael develops and manufactures advanced defense systems for global clients and the Israeli Defense Forces, impacting air and space, land, naval, and intelligence security.

Leadership Roles at Rafael

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yedidia Yaari
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Yoav Tourgeman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Moshe Lippel
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Division of Engineering, Operation Chief - Moshe Avraham
  • Chief Technology Officer, Robotics (Innovation Center) - Eran Nissim
  • Chief Technology Officer, Cyber - Michael Bernat
  • Chief Technology Officer, Engineering & Manager, Sensors, Energy & Optical Components - Segev Ben Itzhak
  • Yedidia Yaari - Chief Executive Officer

    Yedidia Yaari, the Chief Executive Officer at Rafael, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Yaari guides Rafael's mission to develop and manufacture cutting-edge defense systems for international customers and the Israeli Defense Forces. This leadership encompasses all divisions, including air and space, land air and missile defense, naval, and intelligence security. Yaari ensures the company's continued growth and technological advancement in a competitive global market. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding Rafael's reach and impact across diverse defense sectors. Yedidia Yaari drives the organization's commitment to delivering superior defense solutions, maintaining Rafael's position as a leader in the industry.

    Yoav Tourgeman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Yoav Tourgeman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Rafael, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. Tourgeman oversees the development and delivery of advanced defense systems, serving both the Israeli Defense Forces and a global clientele. This executive leadership spans critical areas such as air and space, land air and missile defense, naval operations, and intelligence security. Tourgeman's role involves fostering innovation and ensuring the highest standards of product quality and reliability. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives Rafael's commitment to technological superiority and market leadership. Yoav Tourgeman ensures seamless integration of all business units to achieve strategic objectives and maintain a strong competitive edge.

    Moshe Lippel - Chief Financial Officer

    Moshe Lippel, the Chief Financial Officer at Rafael, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Lippel oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, supporting Rafael's global defense system manufacturing and development. This role is critical for ensuring the financial stability required for innovation in air and space, land air and missile defense, naval, and intelligence security sectors. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with international financial regulations and optimizes resource allocation across all company initiatives. Moshe Lippel's financial acumen directly supports Rafael's mission to provide advanced defense solutions to customers worldwide and the Israeli Defense Forces.

    Moshe Avraham - Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Division of Engineering, Operation Chief

    Moshe Avraham, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Division of Engineering, Operation Chief at Rafael, oversees critical engineering operations and manufacturing processes. Avraham ensures the efficient execution of projects related to air and space, land air and missile defense, naval, and intelligence security systems. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the high quality and timely delivery of defense solutions to the Israeli Defense Forces and international clients. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Division of Engineering, Operation Chief manages complex production lines and drives operational excellence across all engineering divisions. Moshe Avraham's focus on operational efficiency directly supports Rafael's global defense manufacturing capabilities.

    Eran Nissim - Chief Technology Officer, Robotics (Innovation Center)

    Eran Nissim, the Chief Technology Officer, Robotics (Innovation Center) at Rafael, drives technological advancement and innovation within the robotics domain. Nissim leads research and development efforts, focusing on pioneering new defense technologies for air and space, land air and missile defense, naval, and intelligence security applications. This executive's work is central to Rafael's mission of developing state-of-the-art defense systems for global clients and the Israeli Defense Forces. The Chief Technology Officer, Robotics (Innovation Center) fosters a culture of continuous improvement and exploration of emerging technologies. Eran Nissim's leadership ensures Rafael maintains its technological edge in robotics and autonomous systems.

    Michael Bernat - Chief Technology Officer, Cyber

    Michael Bernat, the Chief Technology Officer, Cyber at Rafael, directs the company's strategic initiatives in cybersecurity and digital defense. Bernat oversees the development of advanced cyber solutions, safeguarding Rafael's systems and providing cutting-edge cyber defense capabilities to customers globally and the Israeli Defense Forces. This role is pivotal for protecting sensitive information and ensuring operational integrity across air and space, land air and missile defense, naval, and intelligence security domains. The Chief Technology Officer, Cyber champions innovation in threat detection, prevention, and response strategies. Michael Bernat's expertise ensures Rafael remains at the forefront of cyber warfare technology and defense.

    Segev Ben Itzhak - Chief Technology Officer, Engineering & Manager, Sensors, Energy & Optical Components

    Segev Ben Itzhak, the Chief Technology Officer, Engineering & Manager, Sensors, Energy & Optical Components at Rafael, leads advancements in critical engineering and component technologies. Ben Itzhak directs the innovation and development of sensors, energy systems, and optical components essential for Rafael's defense solutions. This executive's work underpins the company's capabilities in air and space, land air and missile defense, naval, and intelligence security. The Chief Technology Officer, Engineering & Manager, Sensors, Energy & Optical Components ensures cutting-edge technology integration for global customers and the Israeli Defense Forces. Segev Ben Itzhak's technical leadership drives the performance and reliability of Rafael's advanced defense systems.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rafael Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rafael?
    Rafael is led by Yedidia Yaari (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Yoav Tourgeman (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Moshe Lippel (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Rafael’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rafael includes leaders such as Yedidia Yaari (Chief Executive Officer), Yoav Tourgeman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Moshe Lippel (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rafael have?
    Rafael has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rafael’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rafael includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer & Division of Engineering, Operation Chief, Chief Technology Officer, Robotics (Innovation Center).