BP has launched a renewed search for a new chairman following the abrupt departure of Albert Manifold last month. The FTSE 100 oil company has appointed Russell Reynolds, a global recruitment firm headquartered in Chicago, to lead the process, replacing Egon Zehnder, which had overseen the initial search that resulted in Manifold’s appointment.

The search is being overseen by Dame Amanda Blanc, chief executive of Aviva and senior independent director at BP. Her involvement signals heightened oversight during this critical leadership transition.

Manifold’s exit came as a surprise to the City after BP’s board announced his removal amid “serious concerns” regarding governance standards, oversight, and conduct. The company’s statement stopped short of detailing the concerns but indicated they were severe enough to warrant immediate action. Following his departure, Manifold denied accusations of bullying, calling them “lies,” and suggested that resistance to his cost-cutting measures and reform efforts contributed to the breakdown in relations with the board.

Manifold had served as BP chairman for only eight months, marking his first role as chair of a FTSE 100 company. Prior to BP, he was chief executive of CRH, a global building materials group that shifted its primary stock market listing from London to New York during his tenure. Despite his brief term, Manifold was credited with appointing Meg O’Neill as BP’s chief executive. O’Neill, previously head of the Australian energy company Woodside, succeeded Murray Auchincloss, who had taken over as CEO in 2023 following Bernard Looney’s departure amid controversy over undisclosed personal relationships.

In the interim, BP has named Ian Tyler, an existing non-executive director, as acting chairman while the search for a permanent replacement continues. Both BP and Russell Reynolds declined to provide comments regarding the ongoing recruitment.

The sudden leadership upheaval at BP highlights challenges within major energy firms navigating governance and strategic shifts amid evolving industry dynamics. The appointment of a new chairman will be closely watched as BP seeks steady leadership to guide its operations and investor confidence moving forward.