BP has removed its chair, Albert Manifold, with immediate effect, citing serious concerns over governance standards, oversight and conduct. The FTSE 100 oil company announced the decision on Tuesday, just eight months after Manifold took the role.
BP’s share price fell sharply after the announcement, dropping 9% in early trading before closing 4% lower. Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director and Aviva CEO, said the board was “surprised and disappointed” by the issues and had taken decisive action.
Reports suggest Manifold’s conduct was considered overly aggressive, with senior colleagues feeling belittled. He was also seen as attempting to exert executive-style control. The newly appointed chief executive, Meg O’Neill, reportedly bristled at some of his interventions.
Manifold was appointed in October 2025 to oversee BP’s strategic shift back to fossil fuels. He quickly ousted former CEO Murray Auchincloss and hired O’Neill in December. His departure marks the second senior leader exit for conduct reasons in three years, following Bernard Looney’s dismissal in 2023.
BP has appointed Ian Tyler, a board member and former Balfour Beatty CEO, as interim chair. Tyler expressed strong support for O’Neill, saying the board was “very impressed” with her clarity on the company’s direction. BP will now search for its third chair in two years.
