The Israeli High-Tech Association and the Manufacturers Association of Israel's Women in Industry Forum brought together senior executives, entrepreneurs, investors and government officials for the WO.men CEO Summit 2026, a conference focused on advancing women into leadership positions across Israel's high-tech and industrial sectors. Held on July 6, the event emphasized that gender diversity is not only a social goal but also a driver of economic growth, innovation and long-term resilience.
Opening the conference, Sivan Noyfeld, business development manager at the Israeli High-Tech Association and director of the Women in Industry Forum, said expanding women's influence in decision-making is essential to strengthening Israel's economy and innovation ecosystem.
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Sharon Shalmon Esman, CEO of ynet Global, in a one-on-one interview with Keter Group CEO Udi Sagi
(Photo: Shiran Kamer)
(Photo: Shiran Kamer)
One of the conference's central conversations featured Sharon Shalmon Esman, CEO of ynet Global, in a one-on-one interview with Keter Group CEO Udi Sagi, examining leadership, decision-making and managing global organizations during periods of rapid change.
Addressing the significance of a male CEO speaking at a conference dedicated to women's leadership, Sagi argued that advancing women is "not a women's issue," but a responsibility shared by everyone. He outlined Keter's approach to promoting equality, including proactive recruitment of women, regular pay-equity reviews, leadership development programs and technical training designed to increase female representation in manufacturing and senior management.
Sagi also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in industry, describing AI as a tool that enhances employees rather than replaces them, while highlighting the resilience of Israeli manufacturing despite the challenges of war, global tariffs and economic uncertainty.
(Photo: Shiran Kamer)
The summit also showcased Israel's broader innovation ecosystem. Israeli High-Tech Association CEO Avi Troub unveiled plans for Israeli High-Tech Week 2026, a nationwide initiative designed to unite the country's innovation community. Additional sessions explored the intersection of finance, media and influence with executives from IBI Mutual Funds and Meta Israel, while Armis Security co-founder and CTO Nadir Izrael shared the company's entrepreneurial journey from a military idea to a global cybersecurity company. Panels throughout the day addressed strategic outsourcing, increasing female representation around decision-making tables and preparing the next generation of business leaders.
(Photo: Shiran Kamer)
The conference concluded with recognition of individuals helping shape Israel's technology sector. Tali Rosenwaks received the Women Tech Leadership Impact Award in recognition of her decades-long contribution to developing Israel's high-tech industry while consistently opening doors for women to advance into senior leadership roles. Organizers said the summit reflected a growing commitment across Israel's business community to transform diversity from an aspiration into a measurable competitive advantage, creating stronger companies and a more resilient economy.
First published: 14:29, 07.07.26