"Every challenge I’ve faced throughout my career has prepared me for this year," says Orly Atlas Katz, EVP of Paramount Israel and CEO of Ananey Paramount. Under her leadership, Ananey has turned obstacles into opportunities, ensuring that Israeli storytelling remains a powerful force for connection and inspiration.
Ananey, Israel’s leading multi-channel media company, has grown into a media powerhouse under Atlas-Katz’s guidance, with Paramount channels and local lifestyle channels. With a critically acclaimed production studio, an innovative tech subsidiary, a digital division, and a thriving CP&E, Ananey is a trailblazer in Israel’s media landscape.
In 2020, Atlas-Katz led the acquisition of Ananey by Paramount Global, reinforcing its global content presence. Ananey’s productions have reached major platforms such as Paramount+, Netflix, HBO, CBBC, and Nickelodeon International. Notably, Ananey became the first Israeli company to produce a Netflix series filmed entirely in Israel, solidifying its global leadership.
"When the world seeks an innovative and original story, they love turning to Israeli storytellers. That’s why we work with Israel’s best creators," says Atlas-Katz. This spirit of innovation has driven Ananey’s portfolio of internationally acclaimed productions – from dramas like Band of Spies, Fireflies, and Wonder, to powerful documentaries such as 95% Heaven, Day Trip, Telling Nonie, and The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity, as well as many others in progress. This year alone, despite the challenges reality has presented, the company produced hundreds of hours of relevant, impactful content across genres – high quality dramas, sci-fi thrillers, high-concept sitcoms, documentaries, preschool shows, kids’ and teen series, animation, lifestyle programs, and formats.
Atlas-Katz believes that inclusive representation is a key driver of success – on the screen and behind the scenes. "I don’t hire women because they’re women. I hire women – and all employees – because they’re great," she explains. With this philosophy, Ananey boasts a diverse workforce: 74% of employees are female, and 75% of senior leadership positions are held by women. Atlas-Katz’s commitment to empowering women has earned her recognition in Variety’s Women’s Impact Report, Cynopsis’ Top Women in Media, and Forbes’ Power Women list, solidifying her influence in global media.
Following the events of October 7, her commitment to social welfare remained steadfast. Beyond continuing to produce international content, Ananey became a platform for positive change. In collaboration with NATAL, the Israeli Trauma and Resilience Center, Ananey launched the I’ve Got Me campaign, providing children with mental health tools to cope with stress and anxiety resulting from the war. The company also supported children who lost siblings, those displaced, and those facing emotional challenges. From senior management to every employee, the entire company has demonstrated unity and strength in the face of crisis.
Atlas-Katz’s leadership during these challenges reflects her vision: to not only showcase Israel’s creativity to the world but also to help its communities thrive amid adversity. Paramount Global reinforced this vision with a $1 million donation to humanitarian relief organizations such as Magen David Adom and NATAL, matching employee contributions.
Through it all, Atlas-Katz’s mission remains clear: to share Israel’s beauty, ingenuity, and storytelling on the international stage. Ananey’s vast catalog continues to showcase Israeli creativity globally, proving that Israel delivers, no matter the challenge. "A great story is about an emotional journey, and in Israel we always know how to bring these stories to life in an original, creative way," she asserts.