BP removes Albert Manifold as chair just months after his appointment

BP removed Albert Manifold from the roles of chair and director with immediate effect. The board decided unanimously after serious concerns were raised about governance standards, oversight, and conduct. Senior independent director Amanda Blanc said the board was surprised and disappointed to learn of issues it deemed unacceptable, while also noting Manifold had helped bring focus and pace to BP’s transformation. BP appointed Ian Tyler as interim chair and will begin a succession process for a permanent chair. Manifold had been appointed in October to oversee a strategy revamp and had previously been chair at BP starting last year. He previously served as CEO of CRH for 11 years and retired in 2024.

"BP said its board had unanimously decided that 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."

"The BP board has appointed Ian Tyler as Interim Chair with immediate effect. A succession process for a permanent Chair will be initiated. Blanc oversaw Manifold's appointment in October. Albert Manifold has yet to comment publicly on the situation."

"BP appointed Albert Manifold as chair last year to replace Helge Lund, who announced his intention to step down in April, amid criticism of the company's performance. Prior to the UK role Albert Manifold was one of Ireland's most senior and highest paid business executives, as CEO of CRH. He retired from CRH in 2024 after 11 years in the top job, but remained as a special adviser to the company."

"He is has also been a non-executive director at chemicals producer LyondellBasell Industries NV, a global chemicals producer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and at Mercury Engineering, a privately-owned engineering consultancy."

Read at Irish Independent