BP has made permanent the interim appointment of Ian Tyler as chair, concluding a search process that followed the controversial removal of Albert Manifold from the position. Tyler, who joined BP’s board as a non-executive director in April 2025 and has served as interim chair, will assume the role permanently with immediate effect.
Manifold’s departure in late May came after only eight months as chair, with BP’s board citing what it described as serious governance and conduct concerns. The decision sparked significant scrutiny of Amanda Blanc, the senior independent director who led the search that brought Manifold to the role and subsequently led the process to remove him. Blanc had publicly praised Manifold’s appointment, describing him as having a “relentless focus on performance” suited to BP’s needs. She announced Wednesday that she will step down at the company’s annual meeting next year.
Tyler brings extensive board experience from his career in construction and other sectors. He previously served as chief executive of Balfour Beatty and currently chairs Grafton Group while holding senior positions at Anglo American and other major companies. His appointment occurs as BP navigates significant strategic changes under Chief Executive Meg O’Neill, who took the helm in April. The company is shifting focus toward fossil fuel extraction and away from renewable energy investments.
Blanc said Tyler possesses the necessary experience to provide oversight and support to management while maintaining robust governance. Tyler stated his commitment to evolving the board’s composition and capabilities to support the company’s strategic priorities and shareholder value creation. He indicated a focus on transparent shareholder engagement.
The appointment faces scrutiny from activist investors concerned about governance at BP. Green activist shareholder group Follow This raised questions about whether Tyler can address the company’s governance issues, particularly given his board membership since 2025 and his responsibility for recent decisions. The group noted that shareholders expressed significant opposition at the recent annual meeting to various board decisions and climate reporting plans.
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