BP has confirmed that Amanda Blanc will lead the search for a new chair for the second time, despite concerns from some investors over her role in the process following the abrupt departure of Albert Manifold last week. Blanc, the senior independent director at BP and chief executive of Aviva, previously headed the search that resulted in Manifold's appointment in July 2025.
Interim chair Ian Tyler stated: "At the request of the board, Amanda Blanc will lead the search process for BP's next chair. As in previous searches, this will be a rigorous process involving the entire board and the final decision will reflect our collective view." Manifold, former boss of CRH, was removed after only eight months due to what BP described as "governance oversight and conduct issues". He has disputed the allegations, claiming he was fired "without warning and without explanation".
Some large investors have questioned whether Blanc is the right person to lead the search, according to the Financial Times. Blanc had praised Manifold's "relentless focus on performance" when he was appointed, but later said his conduct was "unacceptable".
Separately, BP announced that William Lin, head of its gas and low-carbon division, will leave after more than 30 years at the company. His departure is the latest in a series of senior exits as BP refocuses on its core oil and gas business. Chief executive Meg O'Neill thanked Lin for his leadership and commitment.
The boardroom turmoil follows a pattern of upheaval at BP. In December, Manifold ousted former CEO Murray Auchincloss, who had been in the role for less than two years, and hired O'Neill, a former ExxonMobil executive. Auchincloss had replaced Bernard Looney, forced out in 2023 for failing to disclose relationships with colleagues.
