NEW YORK, New York, United States, April 2025 — Israel Discount Bank of New York (“IDB Bank”), the largest Israeli-owned bank in the United States, has announced the appointment of Avner Mendelson as its new President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 1, 2025. With more than two decades of leadership in the banking sector, Mendelson will lead IDB’s transformation and sustainable growth agenda across both domestic and international lines of business.
Mendelson brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as President & CEO of Bank Leumi USA, where he led a major enterprise transformation until its merger with Valley National Bank in 2022. Following the merger, he became Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the consolidated bank. Earlier in his career, he was responsible for Group Strategy at Leumi Group, Israel’s largest banking group.
He succeeds Ziv Biron, who has served as President & CEO of IDB Bank for the past five years and spent a total of eight years within the Discount Group. Under Biron’s leadership, IDB reported strong financial performance in 2024, positioning the bank well for continued growth.
Avi Levi, President & CEO of Discount Group, stated:
“I congratulate Avner on joining Discount Group and his appointment as the President & CEO of IDB Bank. I am confident that his rich experience and professionalism, as well as his deep familiarity with the American market, will greatly contribute to the Bank’s continued momentum. I would like to thank Ziv Biron for the successful leadership of IDB Bank in recent years. These successes will serve as a solid foundation for the Bank’s future growth.”
Ilan Kaufthal, Chairman of the Board at IDB Bank, added:
“We excitedly welcome Avner as our next President & CEO. As we look to the future, we also want to thank Ziv for his extraordinary leadership through challenging geopolitical and financial events. His contributions have greatly strengthened IDB.”
“This is an exciting moment to join IDB — a bank I’ve long admired for its entrepreneurial spirit, deep client relationships, and unique culture,” said Avner Mendelson. “I’m grateful to the Board and our shareholders for their trust. I also want to thank Ziv Biron, a remarkable leader and friend, for his support during this transition. I look forward to working with the IDB team to build on its legacy and create new opportunities for our people, customers, and communities.”
“Leading IDB has been a great honor,” said Ziv Biron. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and confident that under Avner’s leadership, the Bank will reach new heights. I wish him every success.”
Israel Discount Bank of New York (IDB Bank)
IDB Bank is a New York State-chartered commercial bank, a member of the FDIC, and a subsidiary of Israel Discount Bank Ltd., one of Israel’s leading financial institutions. With its headquarters in Manhattan, the Bank also operates full-service offices in California, Florida, and across the tri-state area, including Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Short Hills, NJ.
For over 75 years, IDB Bank has specialized in delivering custom-tailored private and commercial banking solutions to both U.S. and international clients, distinguished by deep relationships, rapid decision-making, and a client-first approach.
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