BP names Ian Tyler as chair after abruptly ousting Albert Manifold over conduct concerns

BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its new chair following the abrupt dismissal of Albert Manifold over conduct concerns.

The oil giant said Tyler, who has been interim chair since the end of May, will take the reins immediately following an ‘extensive search process’.

Dame Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director who led the search for a new chair, said Tyler ‘brings significant experience providing challenge and support to executive teams, while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders.’

She added: ‘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.’

Blanc, who oversaw both Manifold and Tyler’s appointments, today said she will not seek re-election as a senior independent director. 

Tyler, who joined BP’s board in April 2025, served as the boss of Balfour Beatty for eight years. He is currently chair of building materials group Grafton and senior independent director of mining company Anglo American. 

‘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,’ BP said. 

Tyler’s appointment concludes a tumultuous few months for BP. The oil major’s board ousted Manifold in May after less than a year in the position, citing ‘serious concerns’ about his conduct, with subsequent reports citing anonymous claims of ‘aggressive’ and ‘bullying’ behaviour.

Manifold denied the claims and said that he did not accept ‘that lies can be told about me, nor that anyone should be allowed to hide behind anonymity when commenting on my time at BP.

‘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’s appointment in October 2025 formed part of an overhaul of BP’s top team, as it shifted its focus from renewables to fossil fuels, and came just weeks into new chief executive Meg O’Neill’s tenure.  

The briefing war also turned the spotlight on Blanc, who today said she will not seek re-election at next year’s annual general meeting. She will step down once a successor has been found.

Tyler said: ‘While I had asked Amanda to stay, she believes that after four years and having just completed the management of the chair search process, now is an appropriate time to plan her departure from the board and I respect that decision.’

Barclays analysts welcomed the news that ‘removes the governance overhang’ but shares in BP dipped following the announcement. 

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said: ‘There is some risk that Tyler is seen as too conservative a pick in some quarters. 

‘A big motivating factor in hiring Manifold was to shake up a business which had lost its way. BP’s green-focused strategy had about as much credibility with investors as the Loch Ness monster.

‘The initial market reaction suggests Tyler’s appointment hasn’t sparked much in the way of excitement or disquiet, and CEO Meg O’Neill will hope it gives her the space and time to make the changes she wants at the business.’