Overview
- BP's board unanimously removed Albert Manifold on Tuesday, citing "serious concerns" about governance standards, oversight and conduct without giving specifics.
- Board member Ian Tyler was named interim chair immediately and the board has begun a formal process to find a permanent successor.
- Markets reacted sharply to the surprise decision with BP shares plunging as much as about 9–10% in early London trading before paring losses.
- Manifold denied the board's characterisation and said he was removed without warning while several reports and anonymous sources say a whistleblower complaint and claims of aggressive behaviour toward colleagues triggered the probe.
- The ouster deepens a pattern of leadership churn at BP after multiple recent chief executives and chairs, raising investor concern about governance, strategy continuity and the company’s shift back toward oil and gas.