BP ousts Chair Albert Manifold in surprise move, citing unnamed governance issues

May 26 (Reuters) - BP has removed Chair Albert Manifold ​with ‌immediate effect, it said on Tuesday, citing governance oversight ⁠and conduct issues, only months ⁠after his appointment to ​help oversee a strategy revamp. BP, which launched a plan in February 2025 to shift the focus back to ​fossil ‌fuel and away from renewable energy, also appointed Meg O'Neill as its fifth CEO in six years at the end of last ​year.

In a statement on Tuesday, BP said its ‌board had unanimously decided that Albert Manifold should no longer serve as ‌chair and director with immediate effect.

"This follows serious concerns raised to the board related to important governance ​standards, oversight and conduct," BP said.

"Albert has helped bring a ‌welcome focus and pace to BP's transformation. However, the board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of ⁠governance ⁠oversight and conduct issues it deems ‌unacceptable and has taken decisive action," said senior independent Director ​Amanda ​Blanc. Blanc oversaw Manifold's appointment in October.

A ‌BP spokesperson declined to give further details. (Additional reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Barbara Lewis)

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