BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its new chair, effective immediately, concluding a three-month search that followed the abrupt dismissal of Albert Manifold from the position due to conduct concerns.
Tyler, who joined BP's board as a non-executive director in April 2025, had been serving as interim chair since the end of May. Dame Amanda Blanc, BP's senior independent director who led the search for a new chair, stated that Tyler brings significant experience in providing challenge and support to executive teams while maintaining strong governance and oversight for shareholders. She added that these qualities were evident during his interim tenure, where he secured the confidence of the board and executive management through his considered leadership, judgment, and integrity.
Tyler also serves as chair of the building materials group Grafton. His appointment marks the end of a turbulent period for the oil major. Manifold was ousted in May, less than a year into his tenure, with the board citing "serious concerns" about his conduct. Subsequent reports, citing anonymous sources, alleged aggressive and bullying behavior.
Manifold has disputed these claims, stating that he does not accept that lies can be told about him, nor that anyone should be allowed to hide behind anonymity when commenting on his time at BP. He asserted that at no point during his tenure as chairman were any issues about his conduct or relationships with colleagues raised with him.
Manifold's appointment in October 2025 was part of a broader overhaul of BP's senior leadership and coincided with a shift in the company's focus from renewables back to fossil fuels. It also occurred just weeks into the tenure of new chief executive Meg O'Neill.
In related news, Dame Amanda Blanc announced that she will not seek re-election at the upcoming annual general meeting and will step down once a successor is appointed. Tyler acknowledged that he had asked Blanc to stay, but respected her decision that the time was appropriate for her departure after four years and the completion of the chair search process.