Chief Executive Officer

Company Overview

Arava Fuels is an innovative renewable energy startup pioneering the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Israel. Leveraging over 20 years of refined, proprietary seed technology, 7 optimized seed variants, and 4 potential biomass-to-SAF pathways, Arava Fuels is positioned to disrupt the global aviation sector. Our goal is to scale production to achieve a highly competitive target of approximately $100 per barrel, positioning our SAF to compete directly with conventional jet fuel amidst rising global mandates (such as the EU and UK SAF mandates requiring up to 6% and 10% blends by 2030).

Role Purpose

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead Arava Fuels from its current pilot phase—testing optimized seed variants and validating biomass-to-SAF pathways under Israeli conditions—to a fully commercialized, utility-scale international platform. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of pioneering large-scale renewable energy projects, navigating complex regulatory environments, aligning global investors, and driving deep technological and agricultural innovations to market.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

●      Define the SAF Pathway: Oversee the transition from the initial pilot phase (testing 3-5 seed variants) to selecting the primary seed deployment and the single most viable, scalable biomass-to-SAF commercial pathway.

●      Commercialization & Scaling: Guide the company toward achieving its goal of producing SAF at approximately $100/barrel, capitalizing on immediate EU and UK regulatory demands.

●      Brand Advocacy: Serve as the primary public face of Arava Fuels to governments, international aviation stakeholders, and climate tech platforms.

●      Business Plan Development: Design and execute a comprehensive, bankable business plan that translates pilot data into a clear commercialization strategy, operational milestones, and a pathway to profitability.

Project Development & Operations

●      Pilot Execution: Ensure the successful execution of the Israeli pilot program, tracking key results including growth metrics, water utilization, and yield per hectare.

●      Supply Chain & Infrastructure: Oversee the integration of proprietary agricultural seed technology with downstream biomass-to-energy conversion processes.

●      Global Rollout: Lay the groundwork for expanding utility-scale agricultural and fuel production assets in Israel and emerging global markets.

●      IP Protection & Patent Registration: Work closely with legal and technical teams to protect the company's proprietary agricultural and chemical technologies by registering patents globally.

●      Feedstock Off-taker Negotiation: Secure strategic off-taker and supply agreements for the primary agricultural feedstock, ensuring a reliable, long-term supply chain to support scaled fuel production.

Investor Relations & Capital Raising

●      Fundraising: Lead capital-raising efforts, pitching the platform's commercial viability, yield models, and cost-competitiveness to venture capital, private equity, and institutional energy investors.

●      Financial Modelling: Work alongside technical experts to translate pilot yield and input assumptions into bankable financial models for utility-scale deployment.

Regulatory & Government Affairs

●      Policy Navigation: Leverage international mandates (such as the EU and UK SAF frameworks) to secure off-take agreements with commercial airlines and aviation hubs.

●      Stewardship: Maintain deep relationships with environmental, agricultural, and energy ministries, particularly within Israel's climate-tech ecosystem.

What We're Looking For

●      Proven Executive Track Record: Extensive experience as a CEO/senior Military Command, Co-Founder, or senior executive in the energy, utility-scale solar, or biofuels sector.

●      Industry Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of agricultural biotechnology, biomass-to-energy pathways, or the aviation fuel supply chain.

●      Project Finance & Deal Structuring: Proven ability to raise significant capital, secure investor alignment, and successfully close large-scale infrastructure deals.

●      Regulatory Acumen: Strong experience navigating complex international regulatory frameworks, carbon compliance markets, and green mandates.

●      Regional & Global Experience: Established network and credibility within the Israeli technology/climate ecosystem, combined with experience operating in emerging or international markets.

Location Prefernece

Preference will be given to candidates based in southern Israel, where both pilot projects will be located.

Apply: [email protected]  | www.AravaFuels.com