Early Life
Moshe "Mori" Arkin was born in Ramat Gan, Israel, in 1952 or 1953. His parents, Ziama and Luba Arkin, immigrated to Israel from Russia in 1932 and established a pharmacy in Tel Aviv. Tragically, Arkin's father, Ziama, passed away in 1972 when Mori was 19 years old. He holds a degree in psychology and philosophy from Tel Aviv University.
Rise to Success
Arkin's career took a pivotal turn when he inherited Agis Industries, an Israeli pharmaceutical importer, from his father in 1972. Under Mori Arkin's leadership, Agis evolved into a significant generic pharmaceutical manufacturer. In 2005, he made a strategic decision by selling Agis to Perrigo for $390 million. This sale provided a substantial financial boost, with a portion of the proceeds in Perrigo stock, which later soared in value. Following the sale of Agis, Arkin established Arkin Holdings, a pharmaceutical company, where he currently serves as founder and chairman, as well as co-founder and chairman of the Accelmed Fund. He has successfully navigated the industry and expanded his portfolio by investing in 20 Israeli companies developing pharmaceutical drugs and equipment.
Key Business Strategies
Arkin's key strategies included transforming Agis from a small firm into a generics manufacturer. His willingness to adapt and capitalize on market opportunities, such as the sale of Agis to Perrigo, showcases his astute business acumen. His continued focus on healthcare investments, particularly in medical startups through Arkin Holdings, demonstrates a long-term vision. He also served as chairman of Sol-Gel's Board of Directors since 2014.
Philanthropy
Mori and his wife, Doris, formed the Arkin Family Foundation, which supports various causes including education, arts and culture, welfare, healthcare, civil rights, and Jewish-Arab coexistence. The Arkins have a long-standing relationship with Reichman University. Their children, Nir and Itay, are alumni.
