Early Life
Eyal Ofer was born in Haifa, Israel, in 1950. He is the son of Sammy Ofer, a Romanian-born Israeli shipping magnate, who was once Israel's richest man. During his youth, he spent summers working on his family's ships, gaining firsthand experience in the maritime industry. He attended Atlantic College in Wales and later studied Maritime Law at the University of London. He also served as an intelligence officer in the Israeli Air Force from 1967 to 1973.
Rise to Success
Ofer began his career in international maritime transportation during the 1980s. In 2011, following his father's death, Eyal inherited and took control of Ofer Global. He expanded the shipping company, Zodiac Group, to own and operate nearly 190 ships. His Global Holdings real estate portfolio has grown to over 120 properties worldwide. He has been ranked among the top 100 most influential people in the shipping industry by Lloyd's List, including seventh in 2014, 2021, and 2022.
Key Business Strategies
Eyal Ofer's business strategy emphasizes calculated diversification and long-term planning. Through Ofer Global, he has built a vast portfolio across shipping, real estate, energy, technology, and finance. In real estate, his holdings include notable properties such as 15 Central Park West, 1250 Broadway, and 50 United Nations Plaza in Manhattan. He also embraces innovation through investments in technology and renewable energy. His approach is characterized by disciplined decision-making and a focus on sustainable growth.
Philanthropy
Eyal Ofer, through the Eyal & Marilyn Ofer Family Foundation, supports various artistic, educational, and cultural institutions. His philanthropic efforts include donations to the Tate Modern, the National Maritime Museum in the UK, and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
