itrek Announces Jim Hirshorn as New Board Co-Chairman

itrek is proud to announce that Jim Hirshorn has been named Co-Chairman of its Board of Directors, joining founding Board Chairman Rafi Musher. Jim and Rafi will serve together as Co-Chairs for a transition period, after which Jim will assume the role of Board Chairman, and Rafi will continue to serve as a valuable member of the Board.

Jim steps into the Co-Chairman role at an important time in itrek’s growth. Its programs now bring both emerging and established leaders from diverse sectors to Israel and have expanded to three – Graduate, Launchpad, and REALITY, which was absorbed from Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies in 2024. itrek has supported 600 Israel Treks, with 25,000 participants from 130 nationalities. Its work has never been more essential. The organization will benefit immensely from Jim’s passion, and his decades of experience helping corporations and nonprofits scale and grow.

Jim and Rafi first met fifteen years ago through business and have partnered over the years, leveraging their complementary skills and expertise. Rafi introduced Jim to itrek in 2017 and since then Jim has been an engaged lay leader and supporter, first serving on the Advisory Board and, in 2022, being elected to the Board of Directors. He currently serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Rafi for introducing me to itrek and its important mission,” Jim said. “Partnering with Rafi through this transition is a privilege, and I look forward to learning from his extensive lay leadership experience, as well as collaborating with itrek’s smart and deeply engaged Board Members and professional team as we continue to shape the future of this impactful organization.“

Jim is currently a Partner in the Private Equity Group at Ares Management, where he leads the Value Creation Team and sits on the Investment Committee. Prior to joining Ares, Jim served as President of Potbelly Sandwich Works and Senior Executive Vice President of Finance, Operations, and R&D at Sealy Mattress Corporation. Over his career, Jim has sat on numerous private and public company boards across many sectors. He also has extensive not for profit board leadership experience, including serving as Co-Chair of the Bernard Zell Jewish Day School in Chicago.
“As itrek continues to scale, having Jim’s experience helping organizations grow is invaluable,” Rafi said. “His passion for itrek’s mission, combined with his hands-on expertise in operations, finance, and talent management will help ensure that itrek meets the increasing needs, complexity, and opportunities ahead. I’m excited to continue working alongside Jim, Gil, and our terrific board.”

Gil Galanos, itrek’s Co-Founder and CEO, emphasized the significance of Jim stepping into this leadership role and the value of his experience for the organization.

“Jim’s deep commitment to itrek, combined with his strong business acumen, is a tremendous asset to our organization,” Gil said. “Jim has had a significant impact on itrek already, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with him more closely now as Co-Chairman with Rafi as we steer itrek’s future together with our Board.”