BP backs Amanda Blanc to lead chair search despite investor concerns
BP has backed Amanda Blanc to lead its search for a new chair for a second time, despite some shareholders voicing concerns over her role following the departure of chair Albert Manifold last week. Interim chair Ian Tyler stated that Blanc, who is also chief executive of Aviva, will lead the process, adding that it will be rigorous and involve the entire board. Blanc previously led the search that resulted in Manifold’s appointment in July 2025. Manifold was removed after only eight months, with Blanc citing “governance oversight and conduct issues.” Manifold disputed the characterization, saying he was fired without warning. Several City figures and large investors have questioned whether Blanc is the right person to lead the search for a successor. This is the latest in a series of boardroom changes at BP, following the ouster of former chief executive Murray Auchincloss and the earlier departure of Bernard Looney.
What’s reported
BP has backed Amanda Blanc to lead the search for a new chair for a second time, ignoring investor concerns.
Some shareholders voiced concerns over Blanc’s role after Albert Manifold’s short tenure as chair.
Ian Tyler, BP’s interim chair, stated: “At the request of the board, Amanda Blanc will lead the search process for BP’s next chair.”
Blanc led the previous search for a successor to Helge Lund in 2025, resulting in Manifold’s appointment last July.
Manifold was removed after eight months due to “governance oversight and conduct issues,” per Blanc.
Manifold responded: “I dispute entirely the characterisation of my conduct and I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged.”
A string of City figures, including large investors, cast doubt on Blanc leading the new search, as reported by the Financial Times.
At Manifold’s first annual meeting, 18% of votes opposed his re-election after he blocked a resolution by the shareholder group Follow This.
Conflicting accounts
The article reports conflicting accounts regarding Manifold’s departure. Blanc stated there were “governance oversight and conduct issues,” while Manifold said BP fired him “without warning and without explanation” and disputed the characterization of his conduct.
Open questions
The article does not specify the exact nature of the governance oversight and conduct issues that led to Manifold’s removal. It also does not clarify how investor concerns might affect the search process.
Key figures
Amanda Blanc – senior independent director at BP, chief executive of Aviva, leading the search for new chair
Albert Manifold – former chair of BP, ousted after eight months
Ian Tyler – interim chair of BP
Helge Lund – predecessor as chair (named in context of previous search)
Murray Auchincloss – former chief executive of BP, ousted by Manifold
Meg O’Neill – hired as chief executive in December, started in April
Bernard Looney – former chief executive, forced out in September 2023
Follow This – shareholder group that had a resolution blocked by Manifold
Sources: The Guardian
