Global Management
Ifa Reist
Founder & Manging Partner NEX42
Led global manufacturing for the Army, critical infrastructure, and heavy industry for over a decade in Europe and Far East, before transitioning into venture capital and technology leadership. She brings deep experience across MENA and GCC investments. Ifa has led AI, product development, and operations in startups across Switzerland and Israel. She is also Managing Partner at NEX42 Advisors, supporting startups, governments, and top investors, and serves as Venture Partner at Protego Ventures ($150M defense fund) and Vindician Capital ($375M SAF SPV).
Amir Gat
Senior Partner, Chief Technology Officer NEX42
Brigadier General (res.), Israeli Air Force, Amir brings extensive senior command and strategic leadership experience, alongside global executive leadership in the private sector. He previously served as GM International Markets at SolarEdge (Fortune 500), leading international growth and market strategy across multiple regions. Amir holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering.
Roger Cloutier LTG, US Army Ret.
Chief Business Officer - U.S. & NATO NEX42
Lieutenant General (ret.), United States Army, Roger brings decades of senior operational and strategic leadership experience across the U.S. and allied defense ecosystems. He most recently served as Commander of NATO Allied Land Command, overseeing multinational land operations and interoperability across the Alliance.
His core strength lies in deep engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), NATO command structures, joint and coalition operations, and senior defense leadership networks across Europe and North America. Roger enhances NEX42’s strategic access, transatlantic defense partnerships, and institutional alignment within U.S. and NATO frameworks.
Noam Elsberg
VP Strategy NEX42Expertise in military intelligence, product management, and strategic leadership. She holds dual degrees in Law (LLB) and Business Administration from Tel Aviv University and serves as a Major (res.) in the Israeli Air Force Intelligence. Noam has led cross-functional intelligence teams and managed global B2B SaaS products, combining operational insight with data-driven execution in defense-tech and technology sectors.
Our Advisory Board
Wolfgang Gäbelein, Major General (Ret.)
Defense Academic Advisor NEX42
Major General (ret.), German Armed Forces, Wolfgang brings decades of senior operational and strategic leadership experience across the Bundeswehr and European defense institutions. He most recently served as Head of the Bundeswehr Office for Defence Planning (PlgABw), following key leadership roles including Deputy Commander of the Bundeswehr Logistics Command and Division Head at the Federal Ministry of Defence.
With deep understanding of defense planning, logistics, and high-level policy, Wolfgang is skilled at translating complex strategic challenges into actionable solutions. He strengthens NEX42’s academic programs, research initiatives, and engagement with European defense networks, bringing both insight and experience to every collaboration.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Andrew M. Rohling
Senior Defense Advisor NEX42
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Andrew M. Rohling is a highly experienced U.S. Army veteran and senior defense leader, recently retired after distinguished service culminating as Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee until September 2025. In this capacity, he played a central role in advising NATO’s senior leadership, strengthening alliance military cooperation, and contributing to strategic defense dialogue across the Euro‑Atlantic and beyond.
Throughout a 36‑year career, LTG Rohling commanded and led at multiple levels, deploying in key operations including Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and serving in senior joint and multinational positions including Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. He brings deep insight into transatlantic defense, operational leadership, and international security cooperation.
Günter Heiß
Senior Advisor, National Security & Resilience NEX42
Former coordinator of the Federal Intelligence Services Germany, overseeing the BND, MAD, and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Gilhad Bar-Yehoshua
Technical Advisor NEX42
Technical Advisor DDR&D, and Israel Innovation Authority | Ex-Israeli Navy, IAI & Elbit Systems
Strategic Collborations
