Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)
In November 2014 Saudi telecom company Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) cut its profits and revenues for 2013 and for the first half of 2014 due to excessive booking of revenues. An unprecedented scandal hit the business community in Saudi and $9.1 billion of Mobily’s market value was wiped out. The scandal sparked an investigation by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) in order to send a strong signal to incoming foreign investors. Mobily CEO and Managing Director Khalid Al Kaf was removed from his position. Board members and senior executives might be prosecuted for insider trading violations. The Mobily shock would have a long-lasting impact on market.
Mobily case helps participants understand behavior biases of corporate leaders, which might be reflected in their narratives. The case also helps board reflect its role in responding to an accounting scandal and in monitoring management. For example, how board and management could have done differently to minimize the negative impact? How well do we understand the CMA regulatory objectives, requirements and consequences?
Etihad Etisalat, Services, Telecommunications
2015
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

A new law requires large listed companies in the EU to appoint members of the underrepresented gender (usually women) to 33% of all director roles.

#post_excerptHannele Jakosuo-Jansson of Neste and Finnair shared key insights on board roles in CEO transitions and culture shifts with IMD’s High Performance Boards program.

A relentless focus on accountability and continuous improvement transformed Valmet from an underdog into an industry leader in a decade. Pasi Laine tells Jean-François Manzoni how it was done.

According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in employers is declining for the first time. Here are practical measures to get back on track.

Three Ways to Deal with Your Boss when they act against civility, empathy, and ethics. Discover strategies to handle difficult workplace dynamics effectively.

Six ways leaders can shape corporate reputation building strategies within their organizations, drawing on key insights from a Bloomberg Media study.

Managing energy in leadership helps sustain momentum. Tap into purposeful action, team cohesion, and personal conviction to stay energised and inspire others.

To navigate a turbulent business environment, CEOs must understand their landscape and align leadership thinking priorities, advises IMD’s Michael Watkins.

Only by coming to terms with your past can you hone the character and resilience to lead at your best. If you want to be a great leader, be your own case study.

By fostering a ‘we’ culture of sharing, respect, and gratitude, leaders can transform their organizations to shine in an inclusive world.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications