BP has removed its chairman, Albert Manifold, after just six months in the role, citing 'serious concerns' over governance, oversight, and conduct. The oil giant's board announced the decision on Tuesday, though details of the specific allegations emerged later. Manifold, a former CEO of Irish building materials company CRH, has strongly rejected the claims, calling them 'lies' and criticizing anonymous sources for leveling accusations without accountability.
In a statement, Manifold acknowledged that he had 'pushed hard' to drive change at BP but denied allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior. He disputed reports that he sought an executive role, stating he had only been present at BP's London headquarters for approximately 13 days in 2026. The board's decision follows BP's recent financial success, including a $3.2 billion quarterly profit, raising questions about the timing of the leadership change.
Manifold's departure marks the latest in a series of leadership shifts at BP as the company pivots back to fossil fuels after years of investing in renewables. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some analysts questioning the board's decision amid strong financial performance, while others suggest it reflects broader governance concerns within the company.