Ken Lay (Enron)

Ken Lay was the founder and former CEO of Enron Corporation, once a major energy company. He played a key role in creating complex financial practices that made Enron appear highly profitable. However, these practices involved accounting fraud, hiding debts and losses to inflate the company's value. When the truth emerged in 2001, Enron's stock plummeted, leading to the company's collapse and significant financial losses for investors and employees. Lay was later convicted of conspiracy and fraud but died in 2006 before serving prison time. His case highlights the importance of corporate transparency and ethical management.