Ariel Sagee is a partner at Gornitzky & GNY.
Through his experience across a range of senior roles in some of the most highly regulated industries-particularly in the defense and cyber sectors- Ariel has developed deep expertise and extensive experience in solving complex business challenges and tailoring strategic solutions for corporations. His work bridges corporate strategy and deal execution, while navigating regulatory hurdles, compliance demands, and international trade challenges.
In recent years, Ariel served as a member of the executive management at Rafael, holding the position of Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to that, he was Deputy Legal Counsel at the group, responsible for legal oversight of multi-billion-dollar sales transactions, legal support for subsidiaries, and serving as the group’s lead counsel for compliance matters.
He led the handling of company transactions for many years within the group, with a focus on international deals, opening new markets for subsidiaries, and overseeing matters related to Israeli and foreign defense export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, AI regulation, cyber, and privacy.
He played a key role in representing the Israeli defense industries before the Ministry of Defense and the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding the defense export controls reform. He also led industry discussions with the Ministry of Defense on adopting international AI standards tailored to the defense sector.
In the field of AI, Ariel spearheaded the development and implementation of a practical model within the Israeli industry to enhance competitiveness in global markets. He is a member of the AI advisory committee to the Israeli government.
Regarding Israeli and U.S. defense export controls, Ariel successfully managed engagements with relevant authorities across various companies, drafted data transfer agreements and regulatory reports, and possesses specialized expertise in U.S. defense and dual-use trade compliance.
Ariel has prepared and represented public and private companies in M&A transactions, capital raising, and debt financing, guiding them through due diligence processes and post-merger integrations to ensure optimal execution of business objectives. He encourages companies to proactively prepare for strategic moves to maximize their chances for success.
Ariel served as VP of Risk Management at the cyber company Cognyte (NASDAQ: CGNT), as a management member, legal advisor, and compliance officer for the leading pharmaceutical company Merck & Co./MSD in Africa and Israel, and as in-house counsel contributed to Bank Leumi’s regulatory and compliance readiness in areas such as securities oversight and investment advisory.
He brings diverse practical experience in crafting solutions that protect companies and individuals while advancing corporate goals—across deals and supply chain challenges, strategic planning, investor and regulator engagement, and board matters.
As an expert in international commercial regulation and compliance, Ariel has lectured on international compliance and regulation at Reichman University’s law school, is active in the IFBEC forum for international defense industries, and has been a long-time speaker in legal training programs on regulation and business.
