Surprised by the news? Mmmm, not really. Surprised he lasted 5 years? Absolutely!!
The unprofessional behaviour, bullying and rude attitude were well known to many of us who worked there.
And hearing allegations about a C-level executive creating fake LinkedIn profiles to boost his own posts? You really couldn't make this stuff up...........
But I think the bigger question is how this kind of environment was allowed to continue for so long, and where HR was in all of this????
I left partly because of the toxic culture, and 8 other colleagues from the same department resigned around the same time. EIGHT! If that's not a red flag, I'm not sure what is.
I really think EY's board and Emirati leaders needs to take a serious look internally. And NOT just at one person, but at the culture and the people who allowed it to continue. I suspect there are quite a few uncomfortable things waiting to be uncovered.
It's a shame because EY has a great product and some genuinely talented people. They deserve far better leadership and a much healthier place to work.
Hopefully, this news becomes an opportunity for meaningful reflection and change, rather than just another leadership departure!!!