Fired BP chair disputes oil company’s claims of poor conduct | BP

Fired BP chair disputes oil company’s claims of poor conduct | BP

May 27, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

BP has announced the immediate departure of its chair, Albert Manifold, following a period of significant boardroom instability. The FTSE 100 company cited serious concerns regarding Manifold’s conduct, oversight, and governance standards as the reasons for his removal.

A Dispute Over Conduct and Governance

In an emailed statement, Manifold claimed he was removed without warning or explanation. He explicitly disputed the characterization of his behavior, stating he would not allow a “false narrative” to go unchallenged.

However, reports indicate that the board acted after a whistleblower report revealed a pattern of unacceptable behavior. Sources suggest Manifold was described as aggressive and that senior colleagues felt belittled by his leadership style.

Further reports from the Financial Times indicate that Manifold attempted to exert control over the company as if he were an executive rather than the chair.

Did You Know? Meg O’Neill, who joined BP at the start of April, is the company’s fifth chief executive since 2020.

Strategic Shifts and Leadership Churn

Manifold was appointed as chair in October 2025 after serving as the chief executive of CRH. He was tasked with pivoting BP’s strategy away from renewable energy investments to refocus on fossil fuel extraction.

BP’s Ousted Chair Manifold Disputes Firm's Accusations

This shift followed the abandonment of a net-zero energy strategy under former chair Helge Lund, who was pushed out due to investor pressure, including from the US hedge fund Elliott Advisors.

During his tenure, Manifold ousted chief executive Murray Auchincloss and hired former ExxonMobil executive Meg O’Neill in December to accelerate the move away from renewables.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the rapid turnover of leadership at the top of BP suggests a profound tension between long-term sustainability goals and immediate investor demands for fossil fuel returns. The challenge now lies in whether the company can maintain a consistent strategic direction while cycling through its third chair in just two years.

Market Reaction and Future Outlook

The announcement triggered a negative reaction from investors. BP’s share price closed down 4% on Tuesday and continued to slide on Wednesday morning.

Rich McDonald of the trading platform IG described the firing as another “leadership shock,” raising questions about whether the organization is becoming “increasingly ungovernable.”

BP has appointed board member Ian Tyler, former chief executive of Balfour Beatty, as the interim chair. The company has signaled that it will continue its current strategy while searching for a permanent replacement.

Moving forward, the company may face continued volatility as it seeks a permanent leader. There is a possibility that the search for a third chair in two years could further impact investor confidence in the company’s governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Albert Manifold removed from his position at BP?

BP cited serious concerns regarding his conduct, governance standards, and oversight. Reports also mentioned aggressive behavior and a pattern of unacceptable conduct identified via a whistleblower report.

Who is currently leading BP’s board?

Ian Tyler, a former chief executive of Balfour Beatty, has been appointed as the interim chair while the company searches for a permanent successor.

What is BP’s current strategic focus?

The company is refocusing on fossil fuel extraction and moving away from renewable energy investments, a strategy BP indicated it would continue following Manifold’s departure.

Do you believe frequent leadership changes are a sign of a company evolving or a sign of deeper systemic instability?