Ousted BP Chair Fights Back Against Conduct Claims

The Guardian reported Wednesday that ousted BP chair Albert Manifold has pushed back hard against the oil giant’s account of his dismissal, insisting he was removed without any prior warning or explanation.

Manifold, who served less than a year in the role, said in an emailed statement that he “disputes entirely” the characterisation of his conduct. He vowed he would “not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged.”

BP’s Version of Events

BP announced Manifold’s immediate departure on Tuesday, citing serious concerns about his governance, oversight standards, and conduct. Reports described his behaviour toward colleagues as aggressive. A whistleblower complaint reportedly prompted the board to identify a pattern of unacceptable conduct. Senior colleagues are said to have felt belittled by his management style. Others felt he was operating more like an executive than a non-executive chair.

Manifold countered that he had spent his tenure cutting costs, challenging inefficiency, and pushing the organisation toward higher standards. He said the board had itself acknowledged the urgency and pace he brought to the job.

A Company With Turbulent Recent History

BP’s boardroom has been in near-constant upheaval. Manifold was only appointed in October 2025, following the investor-driven exit of his predecessor Helge Lund, who faced heavy pressure from US hedge fund Elliott Advisors. Shortly after arriving, Manifold ousted chief executive Murray Auchincloss after fewer than two years in post. He then recruited former ExxonMobil and Woodside Energy executive Meg O’Neill as the new CEO. O’Neill, BP’s fifth chief executive since 2020, joined in early April and is expected to accelerate the company’s pivot back toward fossil fuel production and away from renewable energy commitments.

Markets React, Search Begins

BP shares fell a further 4% on Tuesday following the announcement, with additional softness on Wednesday morning. One analyst described the episode as “another leadership shock at one of Britain’s most important companies,” raising questions about whether the firm is becoming structurally difficult to govern.

Board member Ian Tyler, a former chief executive of infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, has stepped in as interim chair while a permanent search gets underway. That search marks the third time in roughly two years BP has had to find a new chair. The company signalled Tuesday that its broader strategic direction, favouring fossil fuels over renewables, remains unchanged despite the latest upheaval.

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