British energy giant BP, looking to stabilise its leadership ranks, has appointed Ian Tyler, the former CEO of building group Balfour Beatty, as its permanent chair.
Tyler’s appointment comes three months after the high-profile exit of Albert Manifold, who faced allegations of poor governance and conduct.
Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director, who oversaw Manifold’s and Tyler’s appointments, will not seek re-election at 2027’s annual general meeting and will step down once a successor for her has been found, BP said.
Manifold’s surprise dismissal, within the eight months of his appointment, added another murky chapter in BP’s management churn, while the business was facing the pressure of refocusing on its oil and gas business.
However, the episode couldn’t harm the British giant much, with the latter, along with its industry peers, enjoying profit windfalls due to the Iran war that increased the energy prices.
Tyler, who also chairs building materials firm Grafton Group and is senior independent director for mining company Anglo American, joined BP’s board in 2025 and had replaced Manifold on an interim basis in May.
“I will lead the board’s evolution, ensuring we have the depth, experience and capabilities needed to support the company’s strategic priorities and long-term value creation,” Tyler said in a statement.
He also said he would establish “regular and transparent engagement” with shareholders.
“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.
BP CEO Meg O’Neill, who took over the role in April this year, becoming the company’s fifth CEO in the past seven years, has already outlined five priorities for BP: further strengthening the balance sheet, simplifying the portfolio, tightening investment discipline, improving operational performance, and creating structures that enable faster decision-making and greater accountability.
While the group aims to increase its profitability, analysts expect BP to hit its net debt reduction target of USD 14 billion to USD 18 billion ahead of its end-2027 deadline.