BP’s board unanimously dismissed Chairman Albert Manifold on May 26, citing serious governance, oversight, and conduct concerns. He lasted less than eight months in the role.
Shares dropped as much as 10% on the news. Ian Tyler has stepped in as interim chair while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
A tenure measured in months, not milestones
Manifold joined BP’s board as a non-executive director on September 1, 2025, and officially took over as chairman on October 1, 2025. The appointment came during a pivotal moment for BP, as the company was shifting its strategic focus back toward traditional hydrocarbons after years of leaning into renewable energy.
BP’s board expressed “surprise and disappointment” over the circumstances that led to Manifold’s removal. Reports of misconduct, including bullying, surfaced alongside the broader governance concerns.
