BP's ousted chairman Manifold clashed with director over deal talks, WSJ reports

May 29 (Reuters) - BP's recently ​ousted ⁠chairman Albert Manifold clashed ​with fellow director Simon Henry earlier this year over ​the ‌handling of sensitive talks related to a potential ⁠deal, the Wall Street ⁠Journal reported on ​Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

BP ousted Manifold on Tuesday and expressed serious concerns about ​his ‌governance standards, oversight and conduct. Manifold said he was removed without warning and disputed characterisation of his conduct.

The Journal ​reported that Manifold privately accused Henry of overstepping ‌his authority and excluding other directors from communications, while Henry ‌denied any mishandling of talks, arguing that Manifold was mischaracterizing conversations.

Henry, who joined BP in ​September, was among those who left under Manifold as ‌his board shrank.

There were also tensions last year between Manifold and then-CEO Murray Auchincloss, ⁠the ⁠Journal added.

Reuters could not ‌immediately verify the report. BP did not immediately respond to ​a ​Reuters request for comment, ‌while Manifold, Henry and Auchincloss could not be reached for comment. (Reporting by Carlos Méndez in Mexico City, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)

BP