BP has formalized the appointment of Ian Tyler as chair on a permanent basis, following an extended search process. Tyler, who has served in an interim capacity since April 2025, will now lead the company’s board as it navigates significant strategic and governance challenges.
The appointment represents an attempt to stabilize the company after months of boardroom upheaval. Tyler’s predecessor, Albert Manifold, was removed in late May after serving only eight months in the role. BP’s board cited governance and conduct concerns, with reports indicating that senior staff felt belittled by Manifold and that he had acted in an overly executive manner rather than maintaining the appropriate chair role. Manifold disputed these characterizations, asserting that he was terminated without warning.
Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director who led the search for a new chair, will step down at the company’s next annual meeting. Blanc faced criticism for her role in initially recommending Manifold, whom she had praised as well-suited to BP’s needs when his appointment was announced last July. She later acknowledged governance and conduct issues that made his position untenable.
Tyler brings extensive board experience from his work at construction firm Balfour Beatty, merchant builders Grafton Group, and mining company Anglo American, among other organizations. He faces the task of overseeing a strategic shift toward fossil fuel extraction and away from renewable energy investments, while managing shareholder expectations. The company has also experienced significant executive turnover, with three chief executives in under five years. Current CEO Meg O’Neill took office in April following her predecessors’ departures.
Governance concerns remain, with activist shareholders questioning whether Tyler can address longstanding board issues. A shareholder vote in April demonstrated significant investor dissatisfaction, including an 18 percent vote against Manifold’s re-election and more than half of shareholders opposing BP’s plans to eliminate existing climate reporting requirements.
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