Israel Railways CEO Resigns

The CEO of Israel Railways, Moshe (Shiko) Zana, announced today to the company's board of directors that he is stepping down after two years in the role. The board of Israel Railways thanked Zana for his work in advancing the company's operations and instructed to immediately begin the process of finding a new CEO. It was agreed that Zana will remain in his position until August 15 to ensure a smooth transition to Avi Almaliah, Deputy CEO and Operations Manager, who will serve as interim CEO until a permanent appointment is made.

During his tenure as CEO, Zana worked to promote Israel Railways as a leading national company during a crisis period, maintaining optimal operational continuity, developing infrastructure across the country, and advancing the railway's activities in both passenger and freight transportation. During his term, subsidiary companies were merged into the company to create efficiency while building a professional and quality management echelon. The railway promoted rail projects across the country to the tune of billions of shekels, increasing train frequency, reducing travel times, and continually improving service. Under Zana's management, the railway also completed the connection of the five Mediterranean ports to the national rail network, allowing a significant increase in freight movement by cargo trains. In addition, a new control and monitoring system was implemented designed to improve travel safety and streamline railway operations by monitoring train speed and assisting drivers in adhering to the strictest safety rules.

Zana thanked the chairman of the board for his cooperation, trust, and friendship. He also thanked the Minister of Transportation and her director general for their trust and close professional cooperation.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said, "I was sorry to hear about the end of the term of Railway CEO Moshe Shiko Zana. Shiko has contributed greatly to the advancement of the railway from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, to the railway electrification project, and to other projects. The railway is one of Israel's anchor companies with great tasks to transfer the public from private vehicles to public transportation, and I have no doubt that this goal will be promoted in cooperation with the chairman of the railway board, Oded Moshe Shimoni, and the railway workers and the wonderful workers in the railway. I wish Shiko success in his future path."