BP announced on May 26, 2026, that its board has unanimously voted to remove chairman Albert Manifold following serious concerns regarding his conduct. Amanda Blanc, BP's senior independent director, stated that the company was surprised and disappointed by governance oversight and conduct issues deemed unacceptable, leading to this decisive action.
Manifold, who was appointed less than a year ago during a period of leadership turmoil, has been succeeded by Ian Tyler as interim chairman while the search for a permanent replacement begins. This change comes amid ongoing leadership challenges at BP, which has faced scrutiny from investors regarding its transition strategy and performance.
Former CEO Bernard Looney resigned in 2023 for failing to disclose past workplace relationships, and former chief executive Murray Auchincloss stepped down in late 2025 due to concerns over stock performance and the company's shift away from oil and gas operations. Manifold, previously the CEO of CRH, was brought in to stabilize BP and restore investor confidence but faced criticism for his push towards oil and gas production amid shareholder concerns about renewable energy spending.
In her statement, Blanc expressed confidence in the leadership of Meg O’Neill, BP’s chief executive, highlighting her industry experience and strategic direction for the company. Following the announcement of Manifold's removal, BP shares fell as investors reacted to the unexpected leadership change and the lack of details surrounding the decision.