Yonit Rusho, PhD

VP R&D | Director of AI Strategy | Driving Innovation in Cyber & Cloud | Head of Critical Systems Dep.

Kfar Saba, Center District, Israel

About

Executive technology leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation, product development, and digital transformation across the defense, public, and commercial sectors. Proven track record in leading security-sensitive AI-based systems, product roadmaps, and full lifecycle deployment of complex technologies. Former entrepreneur (successful exit), founder of an applied AI research lab, and an international keynote. Adept at bridging strategic vision with deep technical expertise in Generative AI, LLMs, system architecture, and regulatory compliance. Strong leadership in managing multi-disciplinary teams, streamlining operations, and delivering measurable impact (120% client growth, 25% revenue increase, 90% satisfaction rise).

Experience

  • Head of Critical Systems Dep. at Israel Railways Ltd.
    Oct 2025 - Present · 10 mos

  • Head of System Engineering and Technical Management Department at Elbit Systems Israel
    2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (50+) within the C4I & Cyber Division. Managing the full production lifecycle of secure communication systems, from concept to CI/CD deployment. Oversaw strategic planning, AI-based product lines, regulatory engagement, and technical innovation under top-secret security clearance. ראש מנהל הנדסת מערכת וניהול טכני. אגף תקשורת רדיו. חטיבת התקשוב והסייבר

  • Shenkar College of Engineering and Design (11 yrs 10 mos)
    • Head of Software Engineering Department
      Sep 2019 - Oct 2024 · 5 yrs 2 mos

      Executive leadership of 50 staff and 8M NIS budget. Spearheaded digital transformation and achieved measurable organizational growth (25% revenue, 120% clients, 90% satisfaction). Founded national labs for applied and generative AI. Led end-to-end development and deployment of security-sensitive LLM/NLP-based systems with UX/UI and BI integration. Collaborated with national defense and civilian sectors, including IDF Intelligence, IAI, hospitals, and municipalities.

    • Deputy Director, Faculty of Engineering
      Feb 2022 - 2024 · 2 yrs

      · Executing extra-institutional strategic collaboration with The Institute for the Research of the Methodology of Intelligence (IRMI), the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Wingate · Leading the improvement of the Faculty of Engineering's reputation

    • Director of Technological Projects
      2013 - 2024 · 11 yrs

      • Directed technological projects in collaboration with industry leaders. • Managed data development teams for high-profile organizations • Implemented advanced methodologies in AI, ML/DL, and data analysis, enhancing project outcomes and client satisfaction. • Managed project budgets with national and international clients

  • Cloud & Web development, Python, SQL, HCI and Information Systems senior lecturer at The Academic College of Tel Aviv Yaffo
    Aug 2013 - Feb 2016 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • CTO & RDD Manager at Allbiz Ltd
    Jan 2012 - Jun 2013 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Development teams' manager: assign schedules, methodologies, and programming techniques for all projects. • Specifications and Design documents planner • Technologies Researches • Strategy business planning o Web and technical consultant o Advised management on all technical issues