Michael Maixner named new CEO of Israel Railways

A former IDF colonel, Maixner currently serves as CEO of IMCO Industries, a Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-listed defense company, and previously served as CEO of Merkavim and Hod Assaf Industries.

Passengers travel on Israel's new high-speed rail line from Ben Gurion International Airport to Jerusalem September 25, 2018 (photo credit: AMIR COHEN - REUTERS)
Passengers travel on Israel's new high-speed rail line from Ben Gurion International Airport to Jerusalem September 25, 2018
(photo credit: AMIR COHEN - REUTERS)
Israel Railways has appointed businessman Michael Maixner as its new chief executive, it announced on Wednesday, replacing outgoing head Shahar Ayalon.
Maixner's appointment still requires the approval of both the transport minister and finance minister following consultations with the Civil Service Commission.
A former IDF colonel, Maixner currently serves as CEO of IMCO Industries, a Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-listed defense company, and previously served as CEO of Merkavim and Hod Assaf Industries.
He previously served as the head of the IDF Technology & Logistics Command's Automative Systems Department and head of the IDF's "Merkava" Tank Development Authority.
Israel Railways announced in December that predecessor Ayalon would be stepping down following problems affecting the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv high-speed railway line and overcrowding across the network, in addition to a third-quarter loss of some NIS 273 million.
Ayalon ends his tenure after two years and three months at the helm of the company.