It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenes Group Founder and President Gideon Rivlin. On behalf of the management, staff, and industry partners, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dan Rivlin, CEO, and son of Gideon, and their family.

No words can adequately express our deep sorrow at losing the company’s founder. We are forever grateful for his vision, industry passion, and his endless courage to establish the company that is Kenes Group today.

Gideon Rivlin founded Kenes Group in 1965 and served as its president and chairman of the board. Gideon Rivlin is one of the founding fathers of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and served as its president between 1981-1983.

A seasoned industry expert, Gideon received a number of honours – in 1990 he was elected Man of the Year in Tourism, an award granted by the President of the State of Israel. He also received the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) award in 2006 in recognition of his vision, dedication, and lifetime achievement in the Professional Congress Organisation (PCO) field.

Gideon believed in bringing people together and the high standards that he insisted on are serving as a model in our industry today. Gideon was and will always be the spirit of Kenes Group, an industry pioneer, a visionary and he will be greatly missed by all.