Why was BP's chair Albert Manifold fired, and what did he say in response?

BP fired Albert Manifold with immediate effect after less than a year as chair, citing 'serious concerns about his governance standards, oversight and conduct', including reports of aggressive behaviour toward colleagues, attempts to exert executive-level control, and making senior staff feel belittled—allegations reportedly stemming from a whistleblower report that revealed a pattern of unacceptable behaviour. In response, Manifold stated he was 'removed without warning and without explanation' and 'dispute[d] entirely the characterisation of my conduct', vowing not to let 'a false narrative go unchallenged'.

What strategic direction was Albert Manifold pursuing at BP, and how does it fit into the company's recent leadership and policy shifts?

Manifold was appointed in October 2025 to oversee BP’s strategic refocusing on fossil fuel extraction and the abandonment of renewable energy investments—a reversal of the net zero ambitions pursued under former chair Helge Lund, who was ousted due to investor pressure, including from Elliott Advisors. Upon joining, Manifold quickly replaced CEO Murray Auchincloss with Meg O’Neill, a former ExxonMobil and Woodside Energy executive, signalling an acceleration away from renewables; he described his own efforts as driving 'genuine change' by cutting costs, challenging excess, and holding the organisation to 'higher standards', which the board had 'acknowledged' in terms of 'focus and pace'.

Fired BP Chair Disputes Oil Company’s Claims of Poor Conduct

May 27, 2026

Ousted BP chair Albert Manifold disputes his removal amid governance concerns, as the company continues its strategic shift toward fossil fuel extraction under interim leadership.

theguardian

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