BP has formalized the appointment of Ian Tyler as chair on a permanent basis, following a months-long search process. Tyler has served as interim chair and board member since April 2025 and will immediately assume the role permanently.
The move comes after Albert Manifold’s sudden removal in late May, just eight months after taking the position. BP’s board cited “serious concerns” regarding his tenure, with reports indicating senior staff felt belittled and that Manifold exhibited aggressive behavior and overstepped the bounds of his chairmanship role. Manifold disputed these characterizations, claiming the company terminated his employment without warning.
Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director who led the search for Manifold’s replacement and currently serves as chief executive of insurer Aviva, faced criticism for her role in both appointing and later removing him. She had praised Manifold upon his appointment last July following what she described as a “rigorous and comprehensive global search.” Blanc announced she will step down at the company’s next annual meeting after four years in her position.
Tyler brings extensive board experience, having previously served as chief executive of Balfour Beatty and currently chairing Grafton Group and serving as senior independent director at Anglo American. He will oversee BP’s strategic shift toward increased fossil fuel extraction and away from renewable energy investments. The company’s chief executive, Meg O’Neill, who took office in April, is the third person to hold that role in less than five years.
BP’s governance challenges have intensified amid pressure from activist investors, including New York-based hedge fund Elliott Investment Management. At the company’s annual meeting in April, shareholders delivered protest votes against multiple resolutions, including an 18% vote against Manifold’s re-election and opposition exceeding 50% regarding BP’s plan to abandon existing climate reporting standards.
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