Three Emmy Awards serve as the most prominent professional recognition for the television productions overseen by Avi Nir. Since assuming the role of chief executive officer at Keshet Media Group in 2002, he has pivoted the organization from a domestic broadcaster toward a global production house, facilitating international partnerships with entities including Netflix, HBO, and Apple.
Academic Foundation
Born in Jerusalem in 1961, Nir completed his undergraduate degree in film and television at Tel Aviv University. He remained at the institution to pursue graduate studies, ultimately earning an MBA from the Graduate School of Business. During this period, he instructed students within the Faculty of Management and the Department of Film and Television. In 1993, he collaborated with Ayalah Rahav to write the book Advertising in Television: The Media, the Message, the Money. He also spent one semester studying at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts and received the Sigal Prize for his contributions to marketing research.
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Nir entered Keshet in 1993, eventually serving as vice president of marketing and later vice president of programming. His focus on adapting Israeli content for foreign markets led to the success of Homeland, based on the local series Hatufim. He subsequently executive produced various international programs, including Tyrant, Allegiance, and the miniseries Our Boys. Additionally, he launched the Music 24 channel and the digital portal mako.
Industry Leadership and Recognition
In 2012, Nir collaborated with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to launch the Innovation in Television conference, an event held in Jerusalem to host industry panels and lectures. His career includes accolades such as being named TV Personality of the Decade in 2009 by the Rosh Pina Festival and the portal Walla!. The Israeli Marketing Union awarded him the title of Marketing Personality of the Year in 2008. Since 2017, he has appeared annually in the Variety500 index of business leaders. In 2008, he survived an assault by two men near his home in Tel Aviv, an event later linked to entertainer Dudu Topaz.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Jerusalem
- Education: Tel Aviv University
- Appointed CEO of Keshet: 2002
- Emmy Awards won: 3
- Languages: Hebrew
- Spouse: Tami Nir-Gottlieb
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the series Dig?
Avi Nir conceived the idea for the thriller series following a visit to archaeological sites at the City of David in Jerusalem.
Which major media platforms has Keshet Studios partnered with?
Keshet Studios has collaborated with NBC, ABC, HBO, Apple, and Netflix.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Keshet
- Educated at Tel Aviv University
