Eli Avidar, the Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), , effective immediately. Avidar replaces Moti Besser who completed two terms in the position.

Avidar has been IDI's Managing Director since January 2007. He has worked with Israel's Foreign Service and government including as Consul-General for Hong Kong and Macau from 2001 to 2005. Earlier from 1999 to 2001 he was Head of the Trade Representation Office of Israel in Doha, Qatar and in 1999 served as Foreign Policy Advisor to then Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon.

Israel Diamond Exchange President Yoram Dvash congratulated Avidar on his appointment and said, “Eli Avidar’s 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."

"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.