BP Names Ian Tyler Chairman After Manifold Ousted Over Governance
BP has appointed Ian Tyler as chairman following the abrupt dismissal of predecessor Albert Manifold, who rejected allegations tied to governance standards. Tyler joined the board in April 2025 and became interim chairman in May 2026. The company also confirmed senior independent director Dame Amanda Blanc will not seek re-election in 2027. The leadership shake-up follows a series of sudden departures, including CEO Bernard Looney in 2023 and Murray Auchincloss, with Meg O'Neill becoming the fourth CEO in six years.
BP formally appointed Ian Tyler as chairman on Wednesday, after his predecessor Albert Manifold was unexpectedly removed from the role, triggering a leadership shake-up at the company. Tyler joined the board as a non-executive director in April 2025 and was named interim chairman on May 26, 2026.
Senior independent director Dame Amanda Blanc said Tyler brings extensive experience to challenge and support the executive team while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders. The company also announced that Blanc will not stand for re-election at the 2027 annual general meeting and will step down from the board once a successor is identified. Tyler said he had asked Blanc to remain, but she believed that after four years of service, it was the right time to plan her departure.
Manifold had served only about seven months before facing allegations of "serious concerns" related to governance standards, oversight, and conduct. He rejected the claims, saying he was removed "without warning or explanation" and disagreed entirely with the characterization of his behavior. The dismissal has reignited questions about BP's governance, following several abrupt leadership exits. In 2023, CEO Bernard Looney resigned after the company said he had misled the board about past relationships with colleagues. His successor, Murray Auchincloss, stepped down after less than two years in the role. Current CEO Meg O'Neill took over in December 2025, becoming the company's fourth CEO in six years.