Ian Tyler Is BP Chair for Good

Ian Tyler will continue as BP PLC chair on a permanent appointment, having been serving in that role since May on an interim basis, the company said Wednesday.

Concurrently BP announced senior independent director Amanda Blanc will not seek reelection at next year's shareholder meeting and will step down upon the appointment of her successor.

Tyler, who replaced the ousted Albert Manifold on May 26, said in a company statement Wednesday, "I will lead the board's evolution, ensuring we have the depth, experience and capabilities needed to support the company's strategic priorities and long-term value creation".

"I am committed to establishing regular and transparent engagement with our shareholders, while continuing to support the wider leadership team as they deliver the performance and value our shareholders rightfully expect", Tyler added.

BP said it had considered both internal and external candidates.

Tyler joined BP as a non-executive director April 2025. Currently he is chair of Grafton Group PLC and senior independent director of Anglo American PLC. Previously he chaired Cairn Energy PLC and served as non-executive director at BAE Systems PLC.

"Ian has worked alongside more than 15 chief executives during his extensive non-executive career spanning listed and private companies across oil and gas, natural resources and engineering businesses", BP said.

"Given the significance of the role, Ian will review his existing board commitments to ensure that he can devote the appropriate time and attention to the company", it said.

Blanc said, "Ian brings significant experience providing challenge and support to executive teams, while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders. These qualities have been evident during his time as interim chair, where he has secured the confidence of the board and executive management through his considered leadership, judgment and integrity".

On her departure, Blanc, whom BP appointed senior independent director September 2022, said, "I will leave knowing that BP has a strong foundation with [chief executive] Meg [O'Neill] and Ian now in place and wish them and the company every success for the future".

O'Neill herself only took over as CEO in April, succeeding the resigned Murray Auchincloss.

Over three months ago, Blanc and her board colleagues removed Manifold, who led the board from only October 2025 after replacing the resigned Helge Lund, over governance concerns.

"Albert has helped bring a welcome focus and pace to BP's transformation. However, the board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action", Blanc said in a BP statement May 26.

Manifold reacted by pushing back against what he called "lies" including media suggestions he wished to be executive chair.

"I sought to streamline and refresh the board and started to advocate for a review of the workings of the board to improve efficiency and effectiveness", Manifold said in a statement published by Dow Jones. "All of this was my attempt to ensure the continuing independence and transparency of the board and the ongoing improvement in oversight and governance".

"At no point in my tenure as Chairman of BP has anyone raised with me any issue about my conduct or my relationship with my colleagues", Manifold added.

However, Manifold spoke positively about O'Neill. "I am confident that Meg and her executive team will deliver on the promise that BP can, and will, do better for its shareholders", he said.

Following the ouster, BP announced the retirement of newly appointed deputy CEO Carol Howle and named two insiders as new executive vice presidents (EVPs).

Howle had been named deputy CEO when former Woodside Energy Group Ltd CEO O'Neill took over. Alongside that appointment, Howle has continued with her role as EVP for supply, trading and shipping, but has now decided to retire after 26 years with BP, the British energy giant said June 30.

Concurrently EVP for people, culture and communications Kerry Dryburgh "made a personal decision to leave the company after 16 years", BP said.

Howle and Dryburgh will leave BP in the third quarter, the company said.

Sam Skerry, senior vice president for mergers and acquisitions and business development, will take over from Howle as EVP for supply, trading and shipping. Sonya Adams, chief of staff to the CEO, will take over from Dryburgh as EVP for people and culture. Both roles take effect August 1.

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