BP has removed its chairman, 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 assumed the role.
The departure triggered a sharp drop in BP's share price, which fell by up to 9% in early trading before closing 4% lower. Reports suggested that Manifold's aggressive style and attempts to exert executive-level control had alienated fellow directors and the newly appointed chief executive, Meg O'Neill.
Amanda Blanc, BP's senior independent director, stated: '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.'
Manifold, formerly CEO of Irish building materials firm CRH, was appointed in October 2025 to steer BP back towards fossil fuels and away from renewable energy investments. He ousted previous CEO Murray Auchincloss and hired O'Neill in December. Manifold is the second senior BP leader to leave over conduct issues in three years, following Bernard Looney's departure in 2023 for failing to disclose relationships.
BP has appointed Ian Tyler, a board member and former Balfour Beatty CEO, as interim chairman. The company will now search for its third chair in two years. Tyler expressed strong support for O'Neill, saying the board was 'very impressed' with her vision for the business.
