Innoviz Appoints Former Rafael CEO Yoav Har-Even to Its Board of Directors
6 July, 2026
The former Rafael president and CEO joins Innoviz's board as the company continues its push beyond the automotive market into defense and critical infrastructure applications
By Yohai Schwiger
Innoviz Technologies has appointed Yoav Har-Even to its Board of Directors. Har-Even replaces James Sheridan, who stepped down after Perception Capital Partners’ right to appoint a representative to the board expired.
According to the company, Har-Even’s extensive experience in defense, autonomous systems, and business development will help accelerate Innoviz’s expansion into the defense and homeland security markets. Chairman Amichai Steinberg described these sectors as one of the company’s key strategic growth engines for the coming years.
Har-Even is widely regarded as one of Israel’s leading defense industry executives. He served as President and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems from 2016 to 2024, overseeing the company’s international expansion and the development and commercialization of advanced defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Trophy active protection system. Prior to Rafael, he served for decades in the Israel Defense Forces, retiring with the rank of Major General after holding several senior positions, including Head of the Operations Directorate.
Since leaving Rafael, Har-Even has expanded his business activities. He was appointed CEO of energy company PowerGen Energy, joined the advisory board of Ondas Autonomous Systems—a defense technology holding company that has recently completed several acquisitions in Israel—and, in early 2026, became Chairman of the Board of Sindiana Technologies. With his appointment to Innoviz, he adds another strategic board role to his portfolio.
The appointment comes as Innoviz is actively expanding beyond its traditional automotive business. For years, the company was identified almost exclusively with the automotive LiDAR market. Over the past year, however, it has been building a second growth engine focused on defense, perimeter security, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
A major milestone in that strategy was the launch of InnovizSMART, a version of the company’s LiDAR technology tailored for defense, perimeter security, and infrastructure protection applications. Innoviz has since announced its first commercial partnerships in the sector, including an agreement with Israeli defense technology company Kela, which develops AI-powered operational systems, as well as a collaboration with the Drive Group on the Barak LightGuard platform for border security and critical infrastructure protection. Under that agreement, Drive placed an initial purchase order and set a sales target of approximately $20 million by the end of 2027.
Against this backdrop, Har-Even’s appointment appears to be part of a broader strategic shift rather than an isolated governance change. Beyond his executive experience, he brings deep familiarity with defense procurement processes, government customers, and global defense markets. For Innoviz, his addition further strengthens the board in line with the company’s evolving strategic direction.
What Does the Appointment of a Director Actually Mean?
Announcements of board appointments are common, yet their significance is often overlooked. A director is not involved in a company’s day-to-day operations or routine management decisions. Instead, the board is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, overseeing management, approving major corporate decisions, and contributing experience, industry expertise, and valuable business relationships. As a result, companies often recruit former CEOs, senior industry executives, investors, or recognized experts in areas they view as strategic priorities.
Board appointments can also signal where a company is heading. When a semiconductor company appoints a manufacturing expert—or when an autonomous vehicle technology company recruits the former CEO of one of the world’s leading defense contractors—the message may extend well beyond corporate governance. From the candidate’s perspective, joining a board is rarely a casual decision. While it is a non-executive role, it carries legal responsibilities and reputational risk, making such appointments a meaningful indication of confidence in the company’s long-term strategy.
Photo: Yoav Har-Even
Posted in: News
Posted in tags: Innoviz , Yoav Har-Even
