Board

Edward Gelbard is a senior business leader and strategic advisor with long-standing experience across Central and Eastern Europe. Over several decades, he has been involved in cross-border ventures and investment activity in the region, navigating the political and economic transformations that have reshaped post-communist Europe. He brings to EM2C an entrepreneur's and investor's understanding of how markets, regulation, and geopolitical risk interact, particularly in emerging European environments. Alongside his business activities, he has supported initiatives strengthening Europe-Israel relations and promoting strategic cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean space. On EM2C's Board, he contributes private-sector governance experience and a practical perspective on institution-building.

Sam Pinto is a senior finance executive and philanthropist with an international banking career spanning France, Asia, and the United States, primarily with the Edmond de Rothschild Group. After making aliyah to Israel in 2009, he dedicated significant effort to philanthropic initiatives supporting education and social mobility, including Baït Ham and Kiah-Alliance (the Israeli branch of the Alliance Israélite Universelle). He also supports the Franco-Israeli high school of Mikve Israel and Agudat Sabah, which promotes educational activities in Israel's periphery. As Chairman and a trustee within ELNET's ecosystem, he has been actively engaged in strengthening Europe-Israel ties through high-level dialogue and strategic cooperation. On EM2C's Board, he brings financial expertise, philanthropic leadership, and institutional stewardship.