Eli Avidar, the Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) was appointed Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), reports say. The appointment is with immediate effect.

Avidar was congratulated by the Israel Diamond Exchange President Yoram Dvash, who also appreciated him for his many talents, management style, experience and dedication towards the industry. Avidar would be taking on the role from Moti Besser as he completes his two terms in the position of Managing Director.

Avidar served as IDI's Managing Director since January 2007 and a career in Israel's Foreign Service and government. He represented Israel as Consul-General for Hong Kong and Macau from 2001 to 2005. From 1999 to 2001 Mr. Avidar was Head of the Trade Representation Office of Israel in Doha, Qatar. In 1999 Mr. Avidar served as Foreign Policy Advisor to then Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon, as per reports.