Billionaire Profile
Shlomo Eliahu
Global Rank
#1159

Image: שלמה אליהו | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Shlomo Eliahu

CEO, Insurance
ISRAEL
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.665B
Estimated based on Insurance stock value as of March 6, 2026
+1.21% (24h)
Age
90
Source
Insurance
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
ISRAEL

Biography

Shlomo Eliahu, a self-made billionaire, is a prominent figure in the Israeli business landscape. Born in Baghdad in 1936, he immigrated to Israel with his family at age 14, overcoming financial hardships to become a leading businessman. His source of wealth stems from the insurance industry, and he is the founder and chairman of Eliahu Insurance Company. Eliahu has a long and successful career, founding his insurance company in 1965, and later expanding into banking. His net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion, and he is ranked among the wealthiest individuals globally. He is also involved in politics and philanthropy.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Shlomo Eliahu was born in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 18, 1936. At the age of 14, he immigrated to Israel with his parents and eight siblings in 1950. The family initially resided in a transit camp, later moving to the Kiryat Shalom neighborhood in Tel Aviv. After the death of his father, Eliahu became the primary breadwinner for his family.

Rise to Success

Eliahu's career began with a messenger job at an insurance company. He recognized an opportunity to become an independent insurance agent. In 1955, he started his insurance agency. In 1966, he founded the Eliahu Insurance Company. The company initially focused on car insurance, but later expanded into all areas of the insurance industry. In 1999, the Eliahu Group acquired a significant share in Bank Leumi, solidifying Eliahu's presence in the banking sector.

Key Business Strategies

Eliahu's business strategy focused on providing tailor-made products and excellent customer service, which helped Eliahu Insurance to grow quickly. He expanded his business interests beyond insurance and into the banking sector.

Philanthropy

Eliahu's philanthropic activities reflect his dedication to hard work, honesty, creativity, and his deep love for Israel. He supports several organizations, including Aleh, Israel's largest network of residential facilities for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. He also funds scholarships and is a Trustee of Tel Aviv University.

Career Milestones

1955

Independent Insurance Agent

Began his career as an independent insurance agent.

1959

Founded an Underwriting Agency

Established a successful underwriting agency.

1965

Founded Eliahu Insurance Company

Established Eliahu Insurance Company, the first firm granted an Insurer's License by the State of Israel.

1978-1981

Member of Knesset

Served as a Member of Israel's Parliament and Chairman of its Finance Committee.

1992

Acquired Interest in Union Bank

The Eliahu Group acquired a 27.12% interest in Union Bank.

1999

Acquired Share in Bank Leumi

Acquired a 9.59% share in Bank Leumi, becoming its largest shareholder.

2010

Honorary Doctorate

Awarded an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University.

2012

Returned to Migdal

Purchased controlling interest in Migdal.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Children's Welfare

Aleh

Undisclosed

Supports Aleh, Israel's largest network of residential facilities for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities.

Education

Tel Aviv University

Undisclosed

Funds scholarships for students and serves as a Trustee.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"The difficulties I went through made me who I am. These difficulties made me stronger. Riches never interested me."

Leadership Principles

Hard work

Emphasizes hard work as a key value.

Honesty

Demonstrates honesty in all business dealings.

Creativity

Values creativity in business strategies.

Responsibility

Operates with a sense of responsibility.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Threat of Control Permit Revocation

The insurance regulator threatened to revoke Shlomo Eliahu's control permit at Migdal due to turmoil within the company.