BP has removed Chair Albert Manifold with immediate effect after the board cited serious concerns over governance standards, oversight, and conduct, appointing Ian Tyler as interim chair while it begins a search for a permanent replacement.
BP said its board unanimously decided that Manifold should no longer serve as chair or director after concerns were raised regarding governance oversight and conduct issues that directors deemed unacceptable.
Senior Independent Director Amanda Blanc said the board had been “surprised and disappointed” by the issues, despite Manifold having helped accelerate the company’s transformation efforts.
The abrupt leadership change comes as BP continues a broader restructuring aimed at improving shareholder returns and simplifying operations under CEO Meg O’Neill. The company has been reshaping its structure around a more defined upstream and downstream operating model while emphasizing operational performance and financial discipline.
Interim Chair Ian Tyler said the board remained fully committed to BP’s strategic direction and expressed strong support for O’Neill’s leadership, highlighting recent efforts to streamline the organization and strengthen the company’s operational focus.
BP did not disclose further details regarding the governance or conduct concerns behind Manifold’s departure.
The company said a formal succession process for a permanent chair will now begin.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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