Ofer Kerzner

Ofer Kerzner was born in Israel in 1957. He is a well-known entrepreneur, experienced developer, and public figure. His projects have become part of Kyiv’s modern urban landscape, while his humanitarian efforts have provided important support to Ukraine during the full-scale war.

Kerzner is recognized as one of the most active foreign developers in Ukraine’s real estate market and serves as Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Jerusalem. 

Service and education

From 1975 to 1983, Ofer Kerzner served in the Israel Defense Forces as a military pilot in the Air Force. According to him, this eight-year service laid the foundation for the leadership and management skills he later applied in business.

Early Entrepreneurial Projects in Israel

Restaurant at the Israel National Theater. One of Kerzner’s earliest successful projects, which became a fashionable gathering place for the creative elite.

Maccabi Health Care Service pharmaceutical chain. By the 1990s, it comprised 280 pharmacies; the business was later sold to a strategic investor.

Pillsbury bakeries and the supply of baked goods to supermarkets.

Habima fast-food chain. More than 80 locations by the mid-1990s.

Intima lingerie stores and a project focused on toxic waste recycling.

Expansion into Post-Soviet Markets

Starting in 1995, the entrepreneur exported alcoholic beverages and fruit to Russia, gaining insight into the dynamics of CIS markets.

Development and Investments in Ukraine

• 1998 - Ofer Kerzner relocated to Kyiv, beginning his work in the real estate sector and studying Ukrainian legislation.

• 2001 - Co-founded First Ukrainian Development (later DeVision). Key projects included a shopping center on Stolychne Highway, a residential complex in Pozniaky, a five-star hotel in central Kyiv, and a golf club in Koncha-Zaspa.

• 2002 - Launched Darynok. A former silk factory was transformed into the largest indoor market, with its total area expanding 25-fold.

• 2007 - Ofer Kerzner founded City Capital Group. The portfolio included shopping centers and mixed-use developments on Kyiv’s left bank, cottage developments in Koncha-Zaspa, and a hotel on the Boryspil highway.

• 2014 - Established Art-Zavod Platforma, a creative cluster and coworking space (Platforma).

• 2020 - Opened Platforma Korolenkivska business center through the redevelopment of the former Voronin factory.

• 2025 - Acquired the Leonardo Business Center and Univermag Ukraina Shopping Mall. The deal is estimated at $70-100 million, with a total area of 105,000 square meters.

Diplomatic and Public Activities

Ofer Kerzner has served as Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Jerusalem since 2013. In this role, he organizes bilateral business delegations and cultural initiatives, including support for the Gesher Theatre.

He is also involved in programs such as Taglit and Garin Tzabar, supports lone soldiers, and funds humanitarian initiatives such as "Adopt a Soldier".

Support for Ukraine During Full-Scale War

Since February 2022, Ofer Kerzner has financed the procurement of air defense searchlights, military equipment for soldiers, and drones. Companies associated with him have delivered more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid. He supports initiatives such as Arm Women Now, as well as Ukrainian military units including the 28th Mechanized Brigade, the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, and the "Achilles" Assault Brigade.

In June 2023, he provided 10 tons of humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. In 2024, a consultation center for the Armed Forces of Ukraine was opened at Darynok. Earlier, a “Humanitarian Hub” had also been established.

At the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, Kerzner organized the evacuation of Ukrainian children with cancer to Israel, where they received high-quality care and treatment.

He also initiated and funded a dedicated legal aid fund to support internally displaced persons in Ukraine at the outset of the war.

Ofer Kerzner continues to provide substantial humanitarian assistance and support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine through various charitable initiatives. He also supported the charitable organization "Ukrainian Team" Foundation in procuring quadcopters for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Awards

• "Person of the Year 2015" - laureate in the special category “Best Creative Investor During a Crisis”

• "Badge of Honor" (2024) - for contributions to the economic development of Kyiv

• Certificate of Honor and Medal from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for distinguished service to the Ukrainian people

• "Drop by Drop" Award (2023)

• "Cross of Civic Merit" from the All-Ukrainian organization "Strana" (2023)

• Ofer Kerzner got medal and letter of appreciation from General Valerii Zaluzhnyi

• Letter of appreciation from the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel

• Badge of Honor from the "Achilles" Assault Brigade

• Badges of distinction from Ukraine’s Military Intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine

• Letter of appreciation from the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade (2024) for volunteer initiative, active civic engagement, and comprehensive support

• Letter of appreciation from Kyrylo Budanov

• Top 30 Israeli Ukrainian Changemakers ranking (2021)