BP Ousts Chair After Less Than a Year amid Reported Bullying Allegations

**Albert Manifold Removed as BP Chair Following Governance Concerns**

Oil giant BP has announced the abrupt removal of its chair, Albert Manifold, less than a year into his tenure. The decision, made by the company’s board, stems from “serious concerns” regarding governance standards and conduct, with multiple reports suggesting that allegations of bullying played a significant role in his ousting.

The board’s unanimous vote took place on Tuesday, May 26, and was accompanied by a statement emphasising the unacceptable nature of the issues raised. Ian Tyler, previously part of BP’s leadership team, was appointed as the interim chair following Manifold’s departure.

In a statement, Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director, acknowledged Manifold’s contributions to the company. She stated, “Albert has helped bring a welcome focus and pace to BP’s transformation”, but noted the board’s disappointment upon learning of the governance issues, prompting their decisive action.

While BP has refrained from providing detailed specifics concerning the circumstances of Manifold’s removal, reports indicate that his management style may have contributed to a toxic work environment. Sources have described him as a “strong character” known for raising his voice during meetings, with complaints already surfacing about his behaviour prior to his removal.

According to individuals close to the matter, the decision to remove Manifold was not taken lightly. One source conveyed to the BBC that such a significant action indicates the seriousness of the allegations against him. Reports from Reuters include claims that Manifold had acted aggressively towards colleagues, further underscoring the challenges faced during his brief leadership.

Following the announcement, Tyler expressed the board’s confidence in BP’s strategic direction, emphasising a commitment to operational performance and the pursuit of shareholder value. “The Board and leadership team have deep conviction in the strategic direction we have laid out, and the company is moving at pace to deliver it,” he asserted.

Manifold, aged 63, joined BP in September 2025 as a non-executive director and transitioned to the role of chair just a month later. Prior to this position, he was the chief executive of the Irish building materials company, CRH plc. The nature of his leadership style has raised questions about BP’s governance and culture during a transformative period for the company.

In the context of corporate governance, BP operates differently from many US firms, as it typically separates the roles of chair and chief executive officer. Currently, Meg O’Neill serves as CEO, making history as the company’s first female executive in that role, as well as the first to be appointed from outside BP. O’Neill was brought on board in December 2025 to lead the company forward after the departure of former CEO, Murray Auchincloss.

As BP navigates this transition in leadership, stakeholders will be keenly observing developments concerning the company’s strategic objectives and overall organisational culture. The tumult surrounding Manifold’s exit serves as a reminder of the importance of healthy workplace dynamics, particularly in high-stakes industries such as oil and gas.

The future of BP under interim chair Ian Tyler and CEO Meg O’Neill remains to be seen, but the board has indicated a strong commitment to improving governance practices and fostering a more supportive work environment. The company’s recent challenges underscore the complexities of leadership and the vital role of corporate culture in achieving business objectives.

For now, BP intends to forge ahead as it addresses internal issues while continuing its transformation in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.