Who is Shimon Sheves?

Long time political icon and entrepreneur, Shimon Sheves, began his career serving the Israel’s government when PM Yitzhak Rabin was in office. Under Rabin, he was nominated as General Director and Chief of Staff while Rabin was in power. Shimon entered public service when he chaired the Golan Economic Development Company and the Golan Settlements Committee, and was the Deputy Chairman of Golan Heights Regional Council . Later on, this position led him to a position in the Defense Ministry. After decades in the political arena, Shimon moved to private enterprise and is now chairs RSLB Partners, a US-based company that focuses on promoting and marketing Israeli firms in the United States. Shimon studied public administration and business, graduating from the University of New Haven. He pursued a number of courses on national and international defense sponsored by the Department of Defense in the United States.

In the Public Eye

Shimon Sheves first became active in politics as the Chairman of Golan Settlements Committee, the Deputy Chairman of Golan Heights Regional Council and the chairman of Golan Economic Development Company under the auspices of the Israeli government. Those roles led him to high acclaim in the successful development of the country’s northern infrastructure. Later in his career, Shimon joined Yitzhak Rabin when Rabin was the Minister of Defense, acting as Rabin’s political and personal aide and aide in charge of National Infrastructure, Settlements & National Priority Regions. While serving alongside Rabin, Shimon Sheves was best noted for his involvement in establishing a political strategy implemented by the government’s Labor leaders. This led Labor to win the elections after 25 years. Rabin nominated Shimon Sheves as his campaign and personal manager during his run for Prime Minister. Once elected, Rabin made his long time political partner, Shimon Sheves, his Chief of Staff and General Director.

While in the Defence Minister Office, Shimon Sheves was a board member at many high-level companies and organizations. These included: the Trade Bank, Israel Military Industries, and Israel Aircraft Industries.

Shimon Sheves left the political limelight in 1995 and joined private enterprise, leading him to a successful entrepreneurial profession. With years of skill and know-how acquired from his time in government, Shimon co-founded RSLB Partners, where he also holds the position of chairman. The company, based in Washington, is dedicated to helping Israeli-based firms market their products and services in the U.S. RSLB provides its clients with market strategy and financial consultancy. The company caters to high-tech and bio-tech firms, in addition to governmental sectors. RSLB works closely with the world’s key banking organizations. These include: World Bank, OPIC, IADB, IDB, IFC and EXIM Bank.

Outside of the Office

Shimon Sheves is involved with many charities and community activities. He supports Israel’s ALEH organization dedicated to disabled youth and children, in addition to his involvement with the Yitzhak Rabin Center. Located in Tel Aviv, the center dedicates its efforts to education based on the Rabin’s doctrine and beliefs. Shimon’s hobbies include golfing, playing tennis, climbing mountains and bike rides.