Albert Manifold, the ousted chair of BP, has disputed the oil company's claims of poor conduct, saying he was removed without warning or explanation. In a statement, Manifold said he 'disputes entirely the characterisation of my conduct' and will not allow a 'false narrative to go unchallenged'.
BP announced Manifold's departure with immediate effect on Tuesday, citing serious concerns about his governance standards, oversight and conduct. Reports described his behaviour as aggressive, with colleagues feeling belittled, and the board reportedly found a pattern of unacceptable behaviour after a whistleblower report.
Manifold was appointed in October 2025 to oversee BP's strategic shift back to fossil fuels, after ousting former CEO Murray Auchincloss and hiring former ExxonMobil executive Meg O'Neill. He said he worked to drive change, cutting costs and challenging excess, and that the board acknowledged the focus and pace he brought.
BP will continue its strategy under interim chair Ian Tyler, as it searches for its third chair in two years. The company's share price fell further on Wednesday, after closing down 4% on Tuesday. Analysts questioned whether BP is becoming 'increasingly ungovernable'.
