CEO Omri Jakobovitz joined the growing Israeli community in Leeds while working for Palram. Following his brief talk at a UK Israel Business breakfast, he shares his journey from accountant to international business leader and his vision for the company’s future.
Headquartered in Israel, Palram has been at the forefront of thermoplastic innovation for more than 60 years, with its UK operation established in 1992. The company manufactures a wide range of polycarbonate and PVC solutions, serving diverse applications across numerous industries. By continually pushing the boundaries of thermoplastic technology to address evolving market challenges, Palram’s products are now used in countless applications around the world.
CEO Omri Jakobovitz, part of Leeds’ growing Israeli community, explains more: “We operate in a lot of sectors! For residential spaces and DIY enthusiasts, we have sheets and panel systems that enhance the home. Sign and display board materials are supplied to designers, printers, sign makers, and fabricators. There are versatile solutions that enable architects and engineers to solve design challenges in the construction and architecture sectors.
“We also have another business unit that makes what we called finished goods. These are mainly made from polycarbonate – one of our raw materials that’s normally combined with aluminium or another material – to create greenhouses, sheds, verandas, canopies, or other outdoor living products that are sold through a brand called Canopia.”
Born and raised in Israel, Omri originally trained as an accountant before relocating to the UK: “Palram was one of my clients when I worked for a large accounting firm and I was approached to move to the UK to be the CFO of the Europe area seven years ago. After two and a half years as CFO, I was promoted to MD of the UK. We separated it from Europe as we acquired four businesses here and doubled the sales in the UK market.”
“You just have to trust yourself and go for it – that’s the only way you’ll learn. You won’t grow from being in a comfortable situation!”
18 months ago, Omri was promoted to CEO of Palram’s TradePro business unit. In his current role, he leads the continued development of businesses the group has acquired while also identifying new acquisition opportunities to support ongoing growth: “I knew that finance was going to be my step into managerial roles as I’d always been attracted to the commercial side of things.
“Since I came to the UK, it’s been my mission to find out even more about myself – no matter how high up you are, there’s always opportunities for learning on the job.”
With the company having built a strong reputation over more than 60 years, Omri was conscious of balancing innovation with respect for the company’s heritage: “When I joined, I was very business development driven. For many years, Palram hadn’t done much of this or acquisitions, so I – along with the CEO of Europe at the time – started the roots of it. The goal wasn’t to change it, just to create something else and expand to more businesses.”
“You get a lot less time!” expresses Omri on how his leadership style has changed over the years. “You need to be faster on decisions, be more patient, and build a team that you can really rely on. If you don’t give trust to managers to manage their own departments and hand over some of the responsibility, you can’t grow or focus on the more strategic side of things.”
Offering advice to those in business, Omri says: “I had my hesitations when I stepped in, but you just have to trust yourself and go for it – that’s the only way you’ll learn. You won’t grow from being in a comfortable situation!”
The UK is Palram’s biggest base after Israel, and Omri is proud to be at the forefront of it: “On a personal level, continuing my relationship with the community here in the UK means a great deal to me. My connection to this country runs deep: my grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, escaped to Britain, joined the British forces, and fought in some of the toughest battles against the Nazis. Years later, he chose to build a new life in Israel.
“Returning to the UK now in a senior executive role feels like a meaningful full-circle moment – a statement about the strength of our people and the resilience of our family story. My sons also play for Leeds Maccabi and are incredibly proud to do so. It’s truly our pleasure to be part of this community and to serve as a living bridge between the UK and Israel.”
