A year ago, I spoke with Itay Romanowski, a member of our community, about his career and decision to return to Israel after years in Madrid, Spain, following October 7th, 2023. This week we spoke again.
When we first shared his story, Itay had returned to Israel from Madrid following October 7 to serve in the reserves. Nearly three years later, he’s closing another significant chapter, this time after 4 years at Amazon Web Services, and preparing for his next professional move.
Four Years at AWS
Itay joined AWS at 27, relocating to Madrid to work with startups across international markets. His journey included multiple promotions, two international relocations, and roles across AWS’s Startups and Enterprise teams, where he was, at times, the youngest Account Executive on his team.
His work included building strategic relationships with leading technology and cybersecurity companies, driving AI adoption initiatives within large enterprises, and helping lead AWS’s Global CISO Circle at RSA Conference.
Continuing to Serve
Alongside his professional career, Itay has remained active in the IDF reserves. Drawing on his background in an elite reconnaissance unit, he has recently taken on a new responsibility: leading the effort to build a drone unit, bringing together technology, operational needs, and the challenge of developing a new capability from the ground up.
His continued service reflects the commitment that brought him back to Israel in October 2023. Although his professional ambitions may take him abroad again, remaining connected to Israel and contributing to its security continue to be important parts of his life.
What’s Next?
Itay is keeping the details of his next professional move private for now, though he is clear about his intention to relocate to New York. Having dreamed of living there since childhood, he’s drawn to the city’s combination of business, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Outside his professional and military commitments, he’s also found time to sign up for the Israeli 50K National Championship at the Dead Sea.
For Itay, building a future abroad doesn’t mean leaving Israel behind. His experience since October 7 has reinforced a connection to home that he intends to maintain wherever his career takes him — a balance familiar to many in the global Jewish tech community.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Itay and am grateful for the opportunity to share his story with our community. If you are interested in sharing your story as well, please schedule a time to chat with me here.