BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its new permanent chairman, concluding a turbulent period marked by rapid leadership changes and internal boardroom conflicts. Tyler, who has served as interim chair since May and joined the board as a non-executive director in April 2025, will lead the UK oil major as it aims to restore stability following the ousting of his predecessor, Albert Manifold.

Manifold was removed from the chairmanship after just eight months amid allegations of bullying and misconduct, which he has strongly denied, calling the accusations unfounded and dismissing the company’s claims. The board cited “serious concerns” about his behaviour as the reason for his abrupt dismissal. His removal intensified shareholder uncertainty and drew scrutiny from activist investors, including Elliott Management, which holds a significant stake in BP.

The search for Manifold’s replacement was led by Dame Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director and chief executive of insurer Aviva. Blanc played a key role both in Manifold’s initial appointment and his subsequent removal, a situation that attracted criticism due to the short tenure and controversy surrounding Manifold’s departure. Blanc announced she will step down from BP’s board at the next annual meeting in 2027, stating it was an appropriate time to leave with new leadership in place.

Tyler is a former chief executive of construction firm Balfour Beatty, where he served from 2005 to 2013. In addition to his role at BP, he chairs Grafton Group, a building materials company, and serves as senior independent director at mining company Anglo American. He has also held non-executive positions at Cairn Energy, Vistry Group, and BAE Systems. Supporters see Tyler’s broad experience and steady approach as assets for stabilizing BP’s governance after a period of significant upheaval.

Since April, BP has been led by Meg O’Neill, its third chief executive in less than five years. O’Neill has focused on doubling down on fossil fuel production, reversing previous strategies that emphasized a transition to renewable energy. This strategic shift includes plans to divest BP’s North Sea operations, even as O’Neill called on UK officials to maximize domestic oil and gas resources.

Analysts and shareholder advocates have offered mixed reactions to Tyler’s appointment. Some view it as a deliberate and cautious move toward stability, preferring an experienced internal candidate familiar with BP’s challenges. Others argue it lacks boldness and fails to address the “toxic” board culture that contributed to recent turmoil. Investor frustration remains over governance and transparency, with prior shareholder meetings revealing significant opposition to BP’s climate-related decisions.

Tyler has expressed his commitment to evolving BP’s board to ensure it has the necessary expertise and to maintaining transparent communication with shareholders. He acknowledged Blanc’s departure and praised the new leadership team, emphasizing a focus on long-term value creation and strategic priorities. However, questions persist about whether the new chairmanship will satisfy investor demands for improved governance and address the underlying issues exposed during BP’s recent leadership crises.