'Bullying' and 'overbearing' behaviour behind abrupt BP chairman removal

BP has removed its chairman Albert Manifold over 'serious concerns' related to governance and conduct, the company announced, sending its share price down 6% [1]. Senior independent director Amanda Blanc stated the board was "surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable" [1]. Manifold had been in the role for less than a year, having been appointed chair in October 2025 [1]. His departure follows BP's recent financial report, which showed profits doubled to $3.2bn between January and March, driven by a surge in oil prices [1]. The move also comes after nearly a fifth of BP shareholders voted against his election at the April AGM, with governance experts Glass Lewis recommending a vote against his appointment [1]. Ian Tyler has been appointed interim chair with immediate effect [1]. The board expressed "deep conviction" in the company's strategic direction and praised chief executive Meg O'Neill, who took over last December [1]. O'Neill succeeded Murray Auchincloss, who had himself replaced Bernard Looney after Looney was ousted in 2023 for "serious misconduct" related to undisclosed relationships [1]. The company said it will begin a search for a permanent chair [1]. BP's leadership has faced repeated scrutiny in recent years. The company's previous CEO, Bernard Looney, resigned in 2023 after failing to disclose past relationships with colleagues, an incident the company classified as "serious misconduct" [1]. This pattern of governance issues at the highest levels has contributed to investor unease, as evidenced by the significant shareholder dissent at the recent AGM [1]. The board's decisive action to remove Manifold underscores the ongoing pressure on corporate governance standards within major energy firms following a series of high-profile executive departures [1].