BP has formalized the appointment of Ian Tyler as chair, ending a months-long search following the abrupt departure of Albert Manifold. Tyler, who has served as interim chair since April 2025, will now assume the permanent position immediately.
Manifold’s removal in late May came after only eight months leading the company, with BP citing “serious concerns” related to his tenure. Reports indicated that senior staff members felt belittled by Manifold, and he faced accusations of aggressive behavior and overstepping the boundaries of a non-executive chair role. Manifold disputed these characterizations, claiming the company terminated him without advance notice.
Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director who oversaw the search for a new chair, announced she would step down at the company’s next annual meeting. Blanc had previously championed Manifold’s appointment last year, praising his focus on performance, but later acknowledged “governance oversight and conduct issues” that the board deemed unacceptable. Her decision to depart follows criticism over her role in the failed appointment.
Tyler brings extensive board experience, having previously served as chief executive of construction firm Balfour Beatty and held leadership positions at several major companies including Grafton Group, Anglo American, and Cairn Energy. He will oversee BP’s strategic shift toward renewed focus on fossil fuel extraction and away from renewable energy investments. The company’s current chief executive, Meg O’Neill, took office in April, making her the third person to hold that position in less than five years.
The appointment occurs amid broader shareholder concerns about BP’s governance. Activist investor Follow This and others have raised questions about whether Tyler’s appointment signals meaningful change, noting that he has been on the board since 2025 and thus shares responsibility for recent governance issues. At the company’s April annual meeting, shareholders voted against multiple resolutions, including an 18% protest vote against Manifold’s reelection.
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