BP’s board of directors unanimously voted to remove Albert Manifold as chairman on May 26, following multiple whistleblower complaints alleging aggressive conduct and improper handling of sensitive information. He lasted less than eight months in the role.
The decision sent BP shares tumbling as much as 10%, a sharp reaction that signals investors were caught off guard by the severity of the situation.
What happened inside BP
Manifold joined BP as chairman on October 1, 2025, arriving with a strong reputation built during a decade running CRH plc, the building materials giant, from 2014 to 2024. His mandate was clear: accelerate BP’s return to its traditional oil and gas roots after a period of transition toward cleaner energy.
His background in cost discipline and capital allocation made him, on paper, a natural fit for that job. BP needed someone who could refocus spending, streamline operations, and convince the market that the company’s best days were still tied to hydrocarbons.
