BP has made its leadership shuffle official, announcing Wednesday that Ian Tyler will serve as the company’s chair on a permanent basis. The appointment follows a period of turmoil that saw his predecessor, Albert Manifold, dismissed after roughly seven months in the post.
Tyler, who joined BP’s board as a non-executive director in April of last year, had been serving as interim chair since May 26. His formal elevation comes as the oil major works to project stability after a string of sudden departures at the top.
Dame Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director, voiced support for Tyler in a statement Wednesday, saying he brings “significant experience providing challenge and support to executive teams, while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders.”
Blanc also announced that she will not stand for re-election at the 2027 annual general meeting and will step down from the board once a successor is found for her role. Tyler said he had asked her to stay, but Blanc indicated that after four years on the board, the time was right to plan her exit.
A pattern of upheaval
Manifold’s dismissal had reignited scrutiny of BP’s corporate governance. He faced accusations of “serious concerns” tied to governance standards, oversight, and conduct — allegations he has pushed back against, saying he was removed “without warning and without explanation” and that he disputes “entirely the characterisation” of his behavior.
The ouster was only the latest chapter in a turbulent stretch for the company’s leadership. In 2023, CEO Bernard Looney resigned after BP said he had misled the board about past relationships with colleagues. His successor, Murray Auchincloss, stepped down in less than two years. Meg O’Neill took over as CEO in December, making her BP’s fourth chief executive in six years.
With Tyler now at the helm of the board, BP faces the task of rebuilding investor confidence in its oversight and strategic direction. The company will also need to manage the transition when Blanc eventually departs, adding another layer of succession planning to its agenda.
Source: www.cnbc.com — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/02/bp-chair-ian-tyler-appointment.html
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