BP appoints Ian Tyler as permanent chair after governance turmoil

BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its permanent chair, concluding a months-long search triggered by the abrupt removal of his predecessor, Albert Manifold, over governance and conduct concerns. Tyler, who had been serving as interim chair since late May, assumes the role immediately, the company announced on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The appointment is aimed at stabilizing the boardroom after a period of significant leadership turmoil at the UK oil and gas major. The leadership change follows the dismissal of Albert Manifold in late May, less than a year after he took the position. BP stated at the time that the board had identified "governance oversight and conduct issues" it deemed unacceptable. Reports indicated that Manifold was accused of aggressive behavior and belittling colleagues, though he has disputed these characterizations, stating he was fired without warning and rejecting the claims about his conduct. Manifold had been appointed in July 2025 as part of a broader leadership overhaul. Tyler, a former chief executive of construction company Balfour Beatty, joined BP's board as a non-executive director in April 2025.