BP reorganises core oil and gas production unit

By Tom Bergin

LONDON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - BP said it was reorganizing itscore oil and gas production unit, continuing a move back to themodel it had before the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and helpingfree Chief Executive Bob Dudley from direct oversight ofdrilling operations.

Lamar McKay, Head of the Upstream division, which finds andpumps oil and gas, told staff in a series of emails, seen byReuters, that he planned nine senior role changes, and that BP'shead of safety, would also be retiring.

A spokesman confirmed the emails, which were sent onTuesday, and said the changes reflected McKay's desire to puttogether his own leadership team for the division which isresponsible for most of BP's profits.