Blackstone hires former LeumiTech CEO Yifat Oron to head new office in Tel Aviv
Oron will lead Blackstone’s growth and tech investments in Israel for Blackstone Growth, which recently raised $4.5 billion
Blackstone announced on Sunday that it has hired Yifat Oron, who previously served as CEO of LeumiTech, as a Senior Managing Director and head of the firm’s new office in Tel Aviv. According to the company, she will lead Blackstone’s growth and tech investments in Israel for Blackstone Growth (BXG), the firm’s growth equity business, and assist with other investing efforts across the firm.
BXG recently completed the final close of its oversubscribed, inaugural $4.5 billion growth equity fund – the largest first-time growth equity private vehicle ever raised. BXG began deploying capital in 2020 and has already made a number of significant investments, including in Bumble (which recently completed a successful initial public offering); Oatly; ISN; GeoComply; Ginger Health; Hydrogen Health and Epidemic Sound.
Yifat Oron is leaving LeumiTech after seven years. Photo: Yoram Reshef
Ambassador Dan Gillerman, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations who has served as Blackstone’s Senior Advisor in Israel since 2013, will become Chairman of Blackstone Israel, continuing to serve as an advisor to the firm and the Israel-based team.
“We are increasingly focused on investing in fast-growing sectors, such as technology, life sciences and the digital economy. Israel is one of the most promising markets in the world in these areas and Yifat is the perfect choice to scale our firm’s presence and investments there," said Stephen A. Schwarzman, Blackstone Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder.
Yifat Oron added: “I’m thrilled to join Blackstone and lead the firm’s growth investments in Israel. The breadth of what Blackstone can deliver to entrepreneurs in terms of capital and operating expertise is truly world-class. I’m excited to help fast-growing companies in Israel become global leaders through Blackstone’s resources and global network.”
Jon Korngold, Global Head of Blackstone Growth, said: “We are big believers in Israel, which is one of the most dynamic and innovative markets in the world. I’m delighted to welcome Yifat, an outstanding technology executive and leader, to help us bring the full power of the Blackstone platform and our resources to the country’s entrepreneurs.”
Oron stepped down from her role as the CEO of LeumiTech after heading the tech branch of Bank Leumi since it was founded seven years ago. Oron previously served as Managing Partner at Vertex Venture Capital and as an associate at JP Morgan.
Ambassador Dan Gillerman added: “I look forward to working with Yifat, a deeply respected tech and finance leader, to scale our efforts and support the most promising companies, entrepreneurs and technological innovation in Israel."
