Michael Strauss (industrialist)
Michael Strauss | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Germany |
| Died | October 17, 2020 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Industrialist, business leader |
| Known for | Chairman of Strauss Group (1975–2001) |
Michael Strauss (; 1 May 1934 – 17 October 2020) was a prominent industrialist and business leader of German origin who chaired Strauss-Elite from 1975 until 2001.
Biography
Michael Strauss was born in Germany to Jewish parents, Hilda and Dr. Richard Strauss, the founders of their family enterprise. In 1936, he relocated with his family to Mandatory Palestine, where they established their home in Nahariya. He completed his studies in Business Management at Harvard University. Michael had three children—Ofra, Irit, and Adi—from his first marriage to Ella, which ended in divorce in 1981. He later married Revital in 1996, who was twenty-nine years younger; this marriage concluded in divorce in 2008.
Business career
Following various positions within the family business, Strauss assumed the role of chairman at Strauss Group in 1975 after his father’s passing. He remained at the helm until his retirement in 2001, when he transferred leadership to his daughter Ofra Strauss, who had been prepared to succeed him. Strauss continued serving on the board of the publicly traded company until 2011 and also chaired Strauss Holdings, the private entity controlling Strauss Group alongside his sister Raya Strauss, maintaining a behind-the-scenes influence.
Throughout his leadership, he established significant collaborations with global corporations such as Unilever and Danone, and directed major mergers and acquisitions across Israel’s food industry, including the acquisition of Elite. Under his guidance, Strauss Group transformed from a primarily dairy-oriented firm into Israel’s second-largest food conglomerate.
Awards and recognition
- 1977-1978: Chaired the Israel Publishers’ Association.
- 1983: Honored with the Israel Industry Prize by the Manufacturers Association of Israel for outstanding leadership in fostering private sector growth.
- 1987-1991: Led the food sector of the Israeli Industry Association for two consecutive terms; subsequently joined its presidium.
- 1989-1997: Served two terms as chairman of HAMIL, Israel’s Center for Management and Marketing.
- 2006: Awarded the D&B Company accolade for excellence in corporate governance.
- 2006: Designated honorary resident of Acre, Israel, recognizing his contributions to education, economic development, and tourism.
- 2007: Received lifetime achievement recognition at Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s Conference for Export and International Cooperation for his role in advancing the Israeli Galilee and strengthening the national economy.