BP Removes Chairman Albert Manifold After Governance Concerns

BP removed Chairman Albert Manifold this week after receiving multiple whistleblower complaints about his management style and conduct. The Financial Times reported that the complaints described Manifold talking down to employees and using a "shouty" approach that clashed with company culture.

Manifold joined BP last fall from Irish building supplies firm CRH and had no prior experience in the energy sector.

Senior independent director Amanda Blanc stated that Manifold had brought focus to BP's transformation but that the board was surprised and disappointed by the governance and conduct issues. She said the board took decisive action. Manifold disputed the characterization of his conduct.

He told The Post that the ouster came without warning or explanation and that he had worked to cut costs and hold the organization to higher standards.

BP has experienced several leadership departures in recent years. Former chief executive Bernard Looney was fired in 2023 after lying to the board about personal relationships with employees. Murray Auchincloss left as CEO in December without giving a clear reason.

Manifold had helped recruit Meg O'Neill as the company's latest CEO. O'Neill voted with the rest of the board to remove Manifold. The company has also faced questions about its governance after shrinking the board and receiving reduced support for Manifold at its April general meeting.

Sources told the Financial Times that BP is preparing for possible legal action from Manifold. 8 percent this week after the announcement but remain up nearly 42 percent over the past 12 months.