Career Journey
Dave Osh began his professional journey as a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, where he led hundreds of combat and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. As the Head of Recon Ops, he developed strategic aerial reconnaissance operations that supported the Israeli Defense Forces. This role was pivotal in shaping his discipline, decision-making skills, and ability to lead under pressure. Even after his active duty ended in 1987, Dave continued to serve as a senior squadron leader and shadow Head of Recon Ops in the reserves until 1999.
Transitioning from military to civilian life, Dave pursued a BA in Economics and Accounting at Ben-Gurion University, followed by an MBA at Southern Illinois University. This academic foundation prepared him for a dynamic corporate career that spanned continents and industries.
Early Professional Development
After earning his CPA, Dave joined Moore Global in Israel, where his career took an exciting turn. Initially honing his expertise in accounting, he was soon transferred to the consulting arm of the firm. This transition opened doors for him to advise an investment bank and an insurance company on strategic initiatives, an experience that broadened his financial acumen and problem-solving abilities. Leading the consulting subsidiary further sharpened his leadership and operational skills, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Corporate and Entrepreneurial Leadership
Dave’s corporate career began in Israel and took him across the globe—to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and eventually the United States, where he immigrated two years ago. Along the way, he led teams in over 30 countries, evolving into a global citizen with a mission to elevate leadership effectiveness and drive business performance with a ripple effect that fosters unity.
From Finance to Global Strategy
As CFO of Hadera Paper Group, Dave led the division of a $500 million business into three entities, facilitating acquisitions by Kimberly-Clark and Mondi Group. These early experiences in finance and strategic restructuring laid the groundwork for his future leadership roles.
At Orbotech Pacific, he directed a transformative shift in operations that saw revenue grow from $85 million to $250 million in three years. By localizing management in China, he doubled the market share to 60% and established Orbotech as a dominant player in the region. These successes culminated in leading Orbotech’s expansion into China—a strategic move that reshaped the company’s trajectory and secured an 80% market share.
Scaling and Transforming Organizations
Joining QNet as COO and later CEO, Dave led the transformation of this e-commerce giant from $100 million to $431 million in annual revenue. Expanding into 15 new markets and pioneering a shift from durable to consumable products, he aligned the company’s strategy with customer needs. He also conceptualized intellectual property products that increased gross profit margins and launched a 24/7 global support center, which won international awards.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Driven by a passion for innovation, Dave co-founded Execuvite, an online marketplace for collaborative freelance teams. Despite challenges in securing second-round funding, this venture sharpened his entrepreneurial acumen and adaptability. Later, he founded Varlinx, a leadership development boutique firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. At Varlinx, Dave helps leaders unlock their natural talents and transform their teams and organizations to thrive in complexity.
A Lifelong Commitment to Growth
Throughout his career, Dave has embraced roles in diverse industries—semiconductors, e-commerce, and internet—spanning functions from finance and operations to strategy and product development. This broad exposure has given him a holistic perspective on high-growth multinational business strategy and execution.
Dave strongly believes that technology can amplify success, but true transformation requires leaders to evolve individually and collectively. His mission is to guide business leaders in this evolution, ensuring they meet the ever-changing needs of customers, employees, and society.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership
From his early days in the cockpit to leading global teams, Dave Osh’s career has been a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. By elevating leadership effectiveness, he aims to create a ripple effect that fosters unity and shared prosperity in an interconnected world. His journey continues, inspiring others to reach their fullest potential.