Photo: Inbar Marmari
Naama Kaufman-Fass, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in government, finance, and industry, has been appointed CEO of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Kaufman-Fass brings to the role over two decades of executive experience across Israel’s public and private sectors. She previously served as CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy and Acting CEO of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and Chief Risk Officer at the Ministry of Finance. In the private sector, she has led a company specializing in water desalination projects and served as a senior executive at a CPA firm. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law, as well as an MBA with a specialization in finance.
Her combination of government leadership, financial expertise, and private-sector management uniquely positions her to guide the Hebrew University as it enters its second century, strengthening its role as Israel’s leading research institution and a global hub for innovation.
Kaufman-Fass will succeed Yishai Fraenkel, who has served as CEO for the past eight years. Under Fraenkel’s leadership, the University initiated and advanced large-scale real estate and infrastructure projects, worth billions of shekels, designed to strengthen the University’s research enterprise and deepen its ties with industry. He also oversaw the implementation of the University’s renewal plan in financial and human resources.
Among his achievements are the establishment of the Gav-Yam “Hebrew Campus” Park at the Safra Campus (Givat Ram)—expected to generate over 10,000 new high-tech jobs in Jerusalem; the construction of hundreds of innovative student dormitories; advanced research facilities for computational medicine at the Ein Kerem Campus; the completion of the School of Engineering and Computer Science complex; and the inauguration of Israel’s first Nano Quantum Building. Fraenkel also helped establish the Quantum Consortium, which brings together academia and industry to develop quantum technologies, and is spearheading, alongside other Israeli universities, the creation of a national academic center for AI that aims to position Israel as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Prof. Tamir Sheafer, incoming President of the Hebrew University, said:
"On behalf of the University community, I thank Yishai for his exceptional work and his immense contribution to the Hebrew University’s growth and success. I warmly congratulate Naama Kaufman-Fass on her appointment. With our outstanding faculty, administrative staff, and students, I am confident we will continue to lead the Hebrew University to new achievements and strengthen its position as Israel’s premier research institution and one of the world’s leading universities."
Prof. Asher Cohen, outgoing President of the Hebrew University, added:
"Yishai Fraenkel has left a lasting mark on the University, with leadership defined by strategic vision, wisdom, and a deep commitment to academic excellence. I wish Naama great success in her new role, and I am confident she will continue to advance and strengthen our distinguished institution, which proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary this year."
In response to her appointment, Naama Kaufman-Fass said:
"I thank the Board of Directors and the President for the trust they have placed in me. It is an extraordinary privilege to lead such a distinguished institution—one that has educated generations of researchers and leaders who shape society. I will work to strengthen excellence in research and teaching, expand engagement with the community and public sector, and promote a diverse, equitable, and forward-looking academic environment. Together with the faculty, students, and staff, I am confident we will continue to move the Hebrew University forward and make a significant impact on Israel and the world."
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge convention and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, cultivating leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research and the commercialization of technologies through Yissum, its tech transfer company. Hebrew University’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with major international awards, including nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 88th globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2025), Hebrew University marks a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.