Israel’s former envoy to India is the new head of Adani’s Haifa port chairman

Ron Malka, former Israeli Ambassador to India, has been appointed as Executive Chairman of Haifa Port Company, which is owned by a consortium of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd and Israel’s Gadot Group.

The Israeli diplomat wrote on Twitter, “I’m honored and privileged to take office today as Executive Chairman of the Haifa Port Company, on behalf of AdaniOnline. The experience and expertise of Adani and Gadot, combined with the dedication of the port workers, will take Haifa Port to new heights of prosperity.”

The Israeli diplomat has studied MBA with a PhD in economics. He has provided financial advice and guidance to various companies in Israel. He has also served as an economic advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Commission. 

Earlier this year, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd and the Israeli company Gadot Chemical Terminals bought Haifa Port in northern Israel for $1.15 billion. 

India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and Israel’s Gadot Group won a governmental tender to complete the purchase of the port in July 2022. The Adani-Gadot consortium received approvals from all Israeli authorities to buy 100 percent shares of the state-owned Mediterranean port. Companies finalized the privatization of Haifa Port in January 2023. 

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (Adani Ports & SEZ) holds 70 percent of HPC, while Gadot holds the balance 30 percent of the shares. 

Haifa port is located in northern Israel. In 2022, Israel announced it would sell the port of Haifa, one of Israel’s two biggest commercial ports. Haifa port has two container terminals and two multi-cargo terminals to handle Israel’s container cargo.

Adani Ports & SEZ is the largest commercial port operator in India. It is led by India's Adani Group. Gautam Adani is one of the richest men in Asia.