BP Appoints Ian Tyler as Chair Amid Leadership Upheaval

BP formally appointed Ian Tyler as chair on Wednesday, ending a period of leadership instability. Tyler joined the board as a non-executive director in April 2025 and had served as interim chair since May 26. He succeeds Albert Manifold, who was dismissed after seven months. The company cited serious concerns regarding conduct, oversight, and governance standards as the reason for Manifold's removal, though Manifold disputes these claims and asserts he was dismissed without warning.

These leadership changes follow a volatile period for the oil major, which has seen the resignations of Bernard Looney and Murray Auchincloss. The instability led to the appointment of Meg O'Neill as the company's fourth CEO in six years.

Further board changes include the announcement by senior independent director Dame Amanda Blanc that she will not stand for re-election at the 2027 annual general meeting. Blanc will step down from her position once a successor is identified.