BP Removes Chairman Albert Manifold Over Bullying Concerns

The BBC reported Monday that BP has dismissed its chairman Albert Manifold with immediate effect, following concerns internally described as “bullying” and “overbearing” behaviour. The sudden exit sent BP shares down roughly 5%.

Unanimous Board Decision Ends Short Tenure

The oil major issued a formal statement citing “serious concerns” over governance standards, oversight, and conduct. The board was unanimous in the decision, the company said. Senior Independent Director Amanda Blanc said the board had been deeply disappointed to discover issues it considered unacceptable, and acted decisively. Senior Independent Director Ian Tyler has stepped in as interim chairman while BP conducts a search for a permanent appointment.

One source close to the company told the BBC the move was a significant step — the kind taken only when circumstances are genuinely serious.

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A Tenure That Barely Got Started

Manifold joined BP in September 2025 as a non-executive director and was elevated to chairman just weeks later. He had been recruited to steer the company back toward oil and gas following years of emphasis on renewable energy investment. His appointment came after former chair Helge Lund stood down after more than seven years in the role.

The dismissal arrives at an otherwise strong moment for BP. The company recently reported profits of $3.2 billion for the first quarter of 2026, more than double the prior year figure, driven by elevated oil prices following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran.

Despite that financial backdrop, Manifold had drawn criticism well before his removal. At April’s annual general meeting, roughly 18% of shareholders voted against his election. Governance advisory firm Glass Lewis had recommended voting against him. Shareholders also raised concerns over BP’s handling of a climate-related resolution at the meeting and moves to shift toward online-only shareholder gatherings.

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CEO Position Unaffected, Strategy Expected to Hold

Chief Executive Meg O’Neill, who took the top job last December replacing Murray Auchincloss, retains her position. Interim chair Tyler praised her leadership and pointed to structural changes she has already initiated, including a shift to a clearly defined upstream and downstream operating model.

Analysts at Quilter Cheviot noted Manifold’s brief stint meant his operational impact was inherently limited. The firm described his exit as a near-term negative but said BP’s underlying improvements reflected the broader organisation’s work rather than any single individual. The company confirmed it will move promptly to identify a permanent chair.

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