“Since joining Elbit, the company’s revenues have increased fivefold, from less than a billion dollars a year to more than five billion, and the range of activities has also increased,” says Liat Karniel, director of financial planning and analysis at the company’s finance department. “I have developed together with the company, and from my perspective, every new challenge presents an opportunity for continuous professional development.”
My story
As part of her role, Liat engages with all of the company’s subsidiaries. “Elbit is a dynamic company, and there is continuous evolution of both business and financial activities. As a member of the HQ finance team, I support and participate in the major decision processes that are at the heart of Elbit’s activities. We perform complex economic and financial analyses which are presented to senior management and to the board,” she says.
According to Liat, the cooperation between the corporate finance center and the various key functions at the divisions is critical to the ongoing success of the company. “Every time a new challenge arrives, the best way to ensure a successful outcome, from my perspective, is to build correct processes and teamwork from the start. By working together we can generate the best results for the whole group – that’s where I feel I contribute the most to the success of the company.”
Liat met her husband Yudik, a farmer and son to one of Zichron Yaakov’s oldest families, while both were studying at the School of Agricultural Sciences in Rehovot. Working the land remains part of the family to this day. “Yudik and his brother own a farm in Zichron Yaakov where they grow fruit and grapes, and also a packaging house for exports. It’s an important part of our family life. The children help on the farm while I help more with the finances,” she laughs. Their oldest son, Omer, 19, is in the army and the two younger sons, 17-year-old Yinon and 13-year-old Itamar, compete in triathlons and running competitions. “In our free time, we take the kids to their competitions, and also love to travel. We take every opportunity to travel to the south of Israel and hike along the streams and in the nature reserves.”
