Ramat Gan: The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) announced it has appointed Eli Avidar, the Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. Avidar replaces Moti Besser who completed two terms as Managing Director.

Avidar, who has served as IDI’s Managing Director since January 2007, has had a rich career in Israel’s Foreign Service and government. He represented Israel as Consul-General for Hong Kong and Macau from 2001 to 2005. From 1999 to 2001 Mr. Avidar was Head of the Trade Representation Office of Israel in Doha, Qatar. In 1999 Mr. Avidar served as Foreign Policy Advisor to then Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon.

Israel Diamond Exchange President Yoram Dvash congratulated Mr. Avidar on his appointment. “During my time on the board of IDI, I have come to know Eli Avidar as a man of many talents. His management style, experience in the international diamond business arena, diplomatic skills and ensuing capabilities, and his dedication to the well-being of the Israel diamond industry and trade, make him a perfect candidate for this position,” Dvash stated.

“The IDE board is looking forward to working with Eli in strengthening the position of the exchange and of the Israeli diamond business community at large. We wish him success and best of luck,” Dvash concluded.