Shake up in top Etisalat management

Etisalat's management changes are imminent. Its senior management team is set for a major shake-up, including the departure of the company’s Chairman, Mohammed Omran. Etisalat is considering promoting one of its existing directors to the role of chairman. The company also plans to create a new group CEO role, and Etisalat’s current group Chief Operating Officer, Ahmed Julfar, is tipped to be the main contender for the position. Etisalat was not immediately available for comment. The departure of Mohammed Omran will be a significant change for Etisalat. Omran, joined Etisalat in 1977, became chairman in 2005 and oversaw the company’s transformation from UAE incumbent to an international operator with a footprint in 18 countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Etisalat posted a 14.9 percent fall in second-quarter net profit to AED1.59bn amid rising operating costs and increased competition in its domestic market.