Gil Shwed is an Israeli programmer, inventor and entrepreneur. He is the founder, CEO, and chairman of board of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, one of Israel's biggest technology companies.
Background
Shwed was born in Jerusalem in 1968. He started programming at the age of 13, and two years later began studying computer sciences at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, while he was still in high-school.
During his military service he was part of the Intelligence Corps' Unit 8200.
He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Tel Aviv University and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Youth University of Tel Aviv University. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Yeholot Association Founded by the Rashi Foundation whose charter is, among other things, to reduce dropout rates in high schools.
Education
Gil Shwed began studying computer sciences at the age of 15 at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, while he was still in high-school.
Career
After his military service Shwed joined the Israeli startup company Optrotech (currently Orbotech), where he worked as a Software Developer.
In 1993, Shwed founded Check Point together with Shlomo Kramer, Shwed’s friend from the military unit, and Marius Nacht with whom he worked at Optrotech.
He served as a Director of BackWeb Technologies Ltd. from March 1999 until August 2004.
Shwed is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Check Point since, and its Chairman of the Board of Directors. He previously served as President of Check Point.
