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Jun 02, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

BP Re‑appoints Amanda Blanc to Lead Chair Search Amid Investor Skepticism

AI Summary
BP has confirmed that Dame Amanda Blanc will again head the search for a new chair following the sudden ousting of Albert Manifold. While the board frames the move as a rigorous, board‑wide process, several large investors have voiced concerns about Blanc’s dual role at Aviva and the broader governance turmoil at the oil major.

BP has confirmed that Dame Amanda Blanc, its senior independent director and chief executive of Aviva, will again head the search for a new chair after the abrupt removal of Albert Manifold.

BP Re‑instates Amanda Blanc to Steer Chair Search

The BP interim chair, Ian Tyler, issued a statement saying the board has formally requested Blanc to lead the next chair‑search process. Blanc previously oversaw the 2025 search that resulted in Manifold’s appointment in July. The board emphasizes that the upcoming process will be “rigorous” and involve the entire board, with the final decision reflecting a collective view.

Investor Pushback and Shareholder Vote Figures

  • Large institutional investors have publicly questioned whether Blanc, who also runs insurer Aviva, is the right person to guide the search.
  • During Manifold’s first annual meeting, 18% of votes were cast against his re‑election after he blocked a climate‑focused resolution from the shareholder group Follow This.
  • Manifold’s removal came after just eight months in the role, intensifying concerns about board stability.

Governance Turmoil Signals Deeper Boardroom Instability

The ousting of Manifold follows a recent cascade of leadership changes at BP: former chair Albert Manifold removed chief executive Murray Auchincloss after less than two years, and Meg O’Neill was hired from ExxonMobil to become CEO in December, officially starting in April. Earlier, former chair Bernard Looney was forced out in September 2023 over undisclosed relationships. This pattern underscores mounting governance challenges and heightened scrutiny from shareholders.

What the Next Chair Search Could Mean for BP’s Strategic Direction

Analysts note that the new chair will inherit a company pivoting back toward fossil‑fuel extraction while scaling back renewable‑energy investments. The choice of chair could therefore influence whether BP accelerates its “culture shock” strategy or seeks a more balanced energy transition. With investor confidence at stake, the board’s ability to appoint a figure who can restore stability and align with long‑term strategic goals will be critical in the months ahead.