BP removes chairman over ‘serious concerns’

BP said its board has unanimously decided to remove its chair and director Albert Manifold with immediate effect. 

"This follows serious concerns raised to the Board related to important governance standards, oversight and conduct," the UK-headquartered energy major said.

Amanda Blanc, Senior Independent Director at BP, said: “Albert has helped bring a welcome focus and pace to BP’s transformation. However, the board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action.” 

BP said it has appointed Ian Tyler as Interim Chair with immediate effect.

Mr Manifold has reportedly disputed the characterisation of his conduct, as reported in multiple media outlets. He was quoted as saying he was "removed without warning and without explanation.
BP interim chairman Ian Tyler said “The board and leadership team have deep conviction in the strategic direction we have laid out, and the company is moving at pace to deliver it."

Mr Tyler also pointed to what he said was strong performance by BP’s recently installed CEO, former ExxonMobil executive and Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill. Ms O’Neill was named BP CEO in December 2025, replacing outgoing CEO Murray Auchincloss shortly after Mr Manifold became chairman on 1 October 2025. Ms O’Neill officially began her tenure with BP on 1 April 2026. 

“The Board has been very impressed with Meg O’Neill since she joined as CEO. She has extensive industry and operational experience and real clarity about the direction and opportunity for the business. She has already taken bold action to simplify and strengthen the organisation such as announcing the move to a clearly defined upstream/downstream model.”

BP said it will initiate "a succession process for a permanent chair".