Yossi Vardi
Chairman, International Technologies

Yossi Vardi is one of Israel’s early entrepreneurs. For 39 years he has co-founded, led, and helped build over 60 high-tech companies. Among them: Tekem (1969) one of Israel’s first software houses, Israel Chemicals (chairman 71-74), Alon Energy, Granite Hacarmel, International Lasers Technologies, and others.

Co-pioneered instant messaging, as founding investor and chairman of Mirabilis Ltd. The creator of ICQ, sold to AOL. Numerous investments went public (Answers.com, scopus, granite, International Tehcnologies Lasers ) or have been acquired (Gteko by Microsoft, Tivella by Cisco, Airlink by Sierra Wireless, foxytunes by Yahoo, Starnet by IAC, and more). Member of the Advisory board of Amdocs.

He has served on Boards of numerous state and private corporations including Bezeq, Israel Electric, Amdocs, Advisory board of Bank Israel. Served as advisor to the CEOs of AOL, Amazon, Allied Signal, Siemens Albis. Advised the World Bank, and UNDP.

Extensive government and public career: Formerly Director General, Ministry of Development (at age 27), Director General Ministry of Energy, Chairman: Israel National Oil Company. He is the Chairman Emeritus of the Jerusalem Foundation. Participated in the peace talks with Egypt, Palestinians, Jordan (led the economic cooperation negotiations), Syria.

Awards: Prime Minister Hi-Tech award for life achievements (twice), Industry prize, Entrepreneur of the year, C-E-O Hall Of Fame, Ramniceanu prize. D.Sc Operation Research Technion.