BP has named Ian Tyler as its new permanent chair, concluding a lengthy recruitment process initiated by the contentious departure of Albert Manifold. Tyler, who has served as interim chair since assuming a non-executive director position in April 2025, will officially take on the role with immediate effect.
Manifold’s tenure as chair lasted only eight months before his removal in late May, with the company citing “serious concerns” regarding his performance. The board raised governance and conduct issues as grounds for his departure, with reports indicating that senior staff members felt undermined by his management style. Manifold contested the dismissal, claiming the company terminated his contract without advance notice and disputing characterizations of his conduct.
Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director who oversaw the chair search process, faced criticism for her role in selecting Manifold, having previously praised his appointment. Blanc, who also serves as chief executive of insurer Aviva, announced her intention to step down at next year’s annual shareholder meeting. She acknowledged that while Manifold had contributed to the company’s transformation, governance and conduct deficiencies made his continuation untenable.
Tyler brings extensive board experience, having previously led construction firm Balfour Beatty and held senior positions at companies including Grafton Group, Anglo American, and BAE Systems. His appointment occurs as BP navigates significant strategic and governance challenges. The company is pursuing a refocus on fossil fuel extraction while divesting renewable energy assets, under the direction of Chief Executive Meg O’Neill, who took her position in April. BP has experienced considerable leadership instability, with three chief executives appointed within five years.
The appointment faces scrutiny from shareholders and activist groups. Follow This, a Dutch green shareholder advocacy organization, questioned whether Tyler could address BP’s governance deficiencies, noting his involvement in board decisions since 2025. Shareholder dissent was evident at the April annual meeting, where an 18% protest vote emerged against Manifold’s re-election and over half of shareholders opposed the company’s climate reporting changes.
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