BP appoints Ian Tyler as permanent chairman
BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its permanent chairman, ending a months-long search for a new leader of the British energy giant’s board.
Tyler, who has served as interim chairman since May, takes over the role permanently following the departure of his predecessor, Albert Manifold.
The appointment comes as BP works to restore investor confidence and advance a strategic reset focused on strengthening its oil and gas business while improving shareholder returns.
Tyler, a former chief executive of British infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, brings extensive experience in corporate leadership and boardroom roles. He has served as a non-executive director at BP since 2020.
BP’s board began searching for a permanent chairman after Manifold left the position in May, less than a year after his appointment. Tyler stepped in on an interim basis while the company sought a replacement.
The energy group has faced pressure from investors over its performance and strategy in recent years. Its leadership has also undergone significant changes as the company reassesses the balance between traditional energy production and its lower-carbon ambitions.
Board changes continue at BP
BP also said Amanda Blanc, who led the search for a new chairman, would not stand for re-election at the company’s next annual general meeting. The insurer’s chief executive is expected to leave the board after a successor is appointed.
The company said Tyler’s permanent appointment would provide continuity as BP continues implementing changes across its business and leadership structure.
BP has been expanding its international oil and gas portfolio as part of its renewed focus on upstream operations. Uzbekistan has become one of the countries where the company is developing new exploration projects.
Earlier this year, BP joined Uzbekistan’s Uzbekneftegaz and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR in an oil and gas exploration project covering six investment blocks in the North Ustyurt region. BP holds a 40% stake in the project, while Uzbekneftegaz and SOCAR each hold 30%.
The partners are preparing the project for its next stage, with drilling expected to begin by the end of 2026.
