BP Plc removed Chairman Albert Manifold in late May 2026 due to serious concerns about governance standards, oversight, and conduct after less than a year in the role [1, 2, 3, 4]. Manifold was appointed in October 2025 and lasted about eight months before his abrupt dismissal [3, 5, 4, 6]. The board expressed surprise and disappointment over issues it deemed unacceptable, with senior independent director Amanda Blanc stating, "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" [2, 3].

Manifold played a central role in the executive reshuffle last December, leading the ousting of former CEO Murray Auchincloss and appointing Meg O’Neill as CEO [2, 3, 5, 4]. Still, BP’s leadership has seen significant turmoil, with three CEOs in three years and three chairs in two years [1, 2, 3, 4]. Immediately following Manifold’s removal, board member and former Balfour Beatty CEO Ian Tyler was appointed interim chair [2, 3, 7, 4]. Tyler said, "BP’s leadership still has deep conviction in the strategic direction we have laid out and the company is moving at pace to deliver it" [7].

The company’s stock fell sharply after the announcement, dropping between 6.4% and 9% before partially recovering [2, 3, 7]. The board, guided by Blanc, highlighted governance and conduct issues considered serious enough to warrant immediate action [6]. Media reports, citing anonymous sources, portrayed Manifold as aggressive, belittling colleagues and overstepping his role by acting like an executive chair rather than non-executive [5, 8, 6, 9].

Manifold strongly disputed the allegations. He denied misconduct and said no concerns about his behavior had been raised with him during his tenure. "I dispute entirely the characterisation of my conduct and I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged," he said [5]. He called negative reports "lies" and rejected claims of aggressive behavior, asserting he pushed hard on cost-cutting, performance, and governance without inappropriate conduct [8, 9]. Manifold also faulted the decision to remove him without warning or explanation [8].

Before BP, Manifold had no energy sector experience, having led Irish building materials firm CRH for over a decade [5, 4, 6]. The board’s decision marks the third leadership change at the chairman level in two years for BP.

BP’s next step will focus on confirming a permanent chairman to replace Manifold. Meanwhile, Tyler will serve in the interim role as the company continues executing its strategic plans under CEO O’Neill.