(Adds Centrica statement, Boeckmann appointment)
LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - BP's head of refining,Iain Conn, is leaving the oil major and holding talks withBritish utility Centrica about succeeding its chiefexecutive, Sam Laidlaw, the companies said on Thursday.
Conn, 51, has worked at BP for 29 years, served on its boardfor the past 10 years and headed the downstream division since2007. He will be replaced by chief operating officer TufanErginbilgic on Oct. 1, BP said.
Following the announcement, Centrica confirmed "that it hasbeen, and continues to be, in discussions with Iain about thepossibility of him succeeding Sam Laidlaw as CEO of Centrica".
BP will report its second-quarter results on July 29, andCentrica will report its interim results two days later.
Centrica has faced a potential leadership void after thedeparture of several of its senior executives in recent monthsas it contends with public and political anger over soaringenergy bills.
Also on Thursday, BP announced the appointment of AlanBoeckmann as a non-executive director. (Reporting by Ron Bousso; Editing by)