i2 has almost doubled Nokia handset sales from 6.58 million in 2006 to more than 12.3 million in 2007. 

In addition, i2 surpassed its predicted target for the year, recording impressive growth rates, and posting gross revenue of $2 billion, eclipsing 2006’s revenue of $1.4 billion, said an official spokesman.

“The quality of i2’s products and services and the strategic implementation of our expansion plan have resulted in achieving record sales. We promise that our success will drive us to reach higher goals in the future.  We are looking forward 2008 which promises to be another successful year for i2,” said CEO, i2, Abdul Hameed Al Sunaid.
 
For the upcoming year, i2 plans to surpass its 2007 results, through achieving a sales target of more than 16.9 million Nokia handsets and to deliver total revenue of $2.3 billion.

Currently, i2 has a presence in 22 markets across the Middle East and Africa. Over the past year, i2’s employees increased to 2,676 from 2,300, and i2 products and services reached customers through over 340 retail stores with more than 50 stores in only KSA.

In 2008, i2 plans to further expand its geographical scope, adding markets in Johannesburg, South Africa to oversee all i2 operations in Africa and increasing the number of retail shops in the region along with the Middle East.

Recently, i2 opened their flagship store in KSA, which is the first digital outlet offering an extensive range of IT products and mobiles covering world class brands. Moreover i2 will launch 2 new wide-ranging stores in Dubai mall as well as in Abu Dhabi mall.

On top of their existing markets, i2 plans to tap into a major market in the sub-Asia continent to boost its diversity and solidify the company’s status as a premier mobile phone and solutions provider.

“Our intention is to help drive growth in the telecommunication industry by acquiring new businesses and guaranteeing great service,” added Al Sunaid.
 
Certainly, i2 is the region’s principle Nokia mobile provider. The company has worked hard on a long term plan to ensure future development and success as well as enhancing day-to-day tasks to improve services and add value to customers’ shopping experience.

Additionally, i2 has been granted the approval to acquire the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Jordan, this step is in line with i2’s plan to expand and develop their services and values.

“Acquiring the MVNO license opens up a whole new channel of business, allowing i2 to act as a total communications service provider, offering customer support, value-added services, retail packages and other options,” said Al Sunaid.

In November, 2007, i2 was ranked 32nd amongst the top 100 largest companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on various aspects such as revenue, assets, capital, net profit, growth, number of employees and other criteria.

Moreover, i2 won three awards at the annual Nokia NWA conference.  i2 Egypt and i2 Tunisia received ‘Best Product Availability’ awards, i2 Senegal won the ‘Best Retail Initiative’ award and, in early 2007, i2 was named ‘Fastest Growing Company in KSA.’
 
 “We have a strong and exclusive partnership with Nokia,” said Al Sunaid. “We are proud that we were recognized by this valued partner; these acknowledgments underscore the success of our business plan, which is developing a solid distribution network and a well-structured logistics operation in the region.”

In the same year, Al Sunaid was named one of the GCC’s Top 100 Executives, which mirrors his commitment to i2 as well as his strategic plan to evolve the company to its best. – TradeArabia News Service