Oil giant BP has removed its chairman, Albert Manifold, in a surprise move over what the company described as misconduct. The announcement, made on May 26, 2026, sent ripples through the energy sector and raised questions about corporate governance at one of the world's largest oil companies.
Details of the Ouster
BP's board voted unanimously to remove Manifold after an internal investigation revealed breaches of the company's code of conduct. The specific nature of the misconduct has not been disclosed, but sources indicate it involved personal behavior that fell short of the standards expected of a board chairman. Manifold, who had served as chairman since 2020, was a former CEO of building materials company CRH.
In a brief statement, BP said: "The board has concluded that Albert Manifold's conduct is inconsistent with the values and standards of BP. His removal is effective immediately." The company added that it would not comment further on the matter.
Immediate Succession Plans
BP has appointed senior independent director John Sawers as interim chairman while the board conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Sawers, a former head of the UK's intelligence service MI6, has been on BP's board since 2022. Analysts expect the company to move quickly to stabilize its leadership.
The ouster comes at a critical time for BP, which is navigating the global energy transition and facing pressure from investors to balance fossil fuel production with renewable energy investments. The company's shares dipped slightly on the news but recovered later in the day.
Broader Context
BP's leadership shake-up is part of a wider trend of increased scrutiny on corporate boards. In recent years, companies across industries have faced demands for greater transparency and accountability. BP itself has been under pressure from climate activists and shareholders to accelerate its shift to cleaner energy.
Manifold's removal also highlights the challenges of maintaining ethical standards at the highest levels of corporate governance. "This sends a strong signal that boards are taking conduct seriously," said corporate governance expert Sarah Johnson of the University of Toronto. "No one is above the rules, not even the chairman."
The news was among several major developments on May 26, including Canadian bank profit forecasts, a Belgian train-school bus crash, and the launch of China's Shenzhou 23 spacecraft.
