Benny Shabtai's career is a testament to the power of vision and persistence in the realm of luxury entrepreneurship. Based in Miami, Shabtai has been a pivotal figure in the luxury products sector, notably as the leader of Di Modolo International and Botanika Life. His journey began in Israel, where he was born into a kibbutz community that instilled in him the values of hard work and collaboration. After serving in the Israeli military, Shabtai embarked on a global journey, which included stints as a bodyguard and a casino croupier, before finding his passion in the watch industry.
In 1977, Shabtai founded Raymond Weil USA, marking his entry into the luxury watch market. His leadership brought the brand to prominence, utilizing innovative marketing strategies to capture the American market. His keen eye for opportunity led to a significant investment in Viber, a digital communications brand, which he later sold to Rakuten, enabling him to expand his business interests significantly.
Shabtai's philanthropic endeavors are as noteworthy as his business achievements. He played a crucial role in establishing the Shabtai Jewish Global Membership Society at Yale University, fostering a community of Jewish scholars and leaders. Today, he continues to influence the luxury industry through Botanika Life, a pioneering brand in CBD-infused skincare, while maintaining a commitment to nurturing talent and supporting global innovation.
