BP Chair Who Sped Up Company’s Turnaround Is Fired Over Conduct

BP Plc unexpectedly fired Chairman Albert Manifold just months into the job due to serious concerns about “governance standards, oversight and conduct,” prolonging a period of turmoil at the UK oil major.

BP has had three chief executive officers in as many years, while Manifold’s predecessor left in 2025 amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The latest sudden departure raises fresh questions about the company’s processes at a time when it is seeking to turn around years of poor performance, rebuild its balance sheet and focus on its core oil and gas business.

The chairman’s removal consolidates ...