Why was BP's chair Albert Manifold removed, and what specific concerns did the board cite?

BP removed Albert Manifold as chair with immediate effect due to the board's 'serious concerns about important governance standards, oversight and conduct'. The board described these issues as 'unacceptable' and stated it had been 'surprised and disappointed' upon learning of them. Reports cited in the article indicate his conduct was viewed as 'too aggressive', that he attempted to exert control 'in the manner of an executive rather than of a chair', and that senior colleagues—including incoming CEO Meg O’Neill—felt 'belittled' by his interventions.

What strategic shift did Albert Manifold oversee during his brief tenure, and how did it contrast with BP’s prior direction under Bernard Looney?

During his eight-month tenure, Manifold oversaw a strategic refocusing of BP back toward fossil fuel extraction and away from renewable energy investments—a reversal of the direction set by his predecessor Bernard Looney, who had created a gas and low-carbon energy division. Manifold rapidly ousted CEO Murray Auchincloss and appointed Meg O’Neill, who then formally reversed Looney’s structure by dissolving the low-carbon division and reorganizing BP into an upstream oil and gas production unit plus a downstream business focused on refining, fuel distribution, and retail activities.

BP Removes Chair Albert Manifold Over 'Serious' Governance and Conduct Concerns

May 26, 2026

BP removed chair Albert Manifold over governance concerns and appointed Ian Tyler as interim leader. The decision coincides with the company's strategic shift back to fossil fuel extraction.

theguardian

BP Ousts Chair Albert Manifold in Surprise Move, Citing Unnamed Governance Issues

reuters

BP Chair Albert Manifold Leaves Immediately Following Governance Concerns

icis

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