BP names Ian Tyler as permanent chair

• BP appointed Ian Tyler as permanent chair after he served as interim chair since May following the departure of Albert Manifold.
• BP shares were little changed in early London trading after the appointment announcement.
• The company said Tyler’s appointment followed a search involving internal and external candidates as BP works through leadership changes.

BP (NYSE:BP) appointed Ian Tyler as permanent chair after months of leadership changes, with Tyler taking the role immediately following a search that considered internal and external candidates.

BP shares were little changed in early London trading after the announcement, while the company’s stock has gained around 25% since the beginning of 2026, broadly matching gains recorded by rival Shell.

“The initial market reaction suggests Tyler's appointment hasn't sparked much in the way of excitement or disquiet, and CEO Meg O'Neill will hope it gives her the space and time to make the changes she wants at the business,” said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.

Tyler became interim chair on May 26 after BP removed former chair Albert Manifold less than eight months into the role, with the company citing governance oversight and conduct issues that it considered unacceptable.

Following the announcement, BP shares initially declined as much as 9% before recovering some losses, while Tyler’s appointment represents a move to provide permanent leadership at board level.

Tyler joined BP’s board as a non-executive director in April 2025 and previously served as chief executive of construction company Balfour Beatty, while also chairing Grafton Group and serving on the board of Anglo American.

BP said Tyler will review his external commitments as he takes on the permanent chair role, while CEO Meg O’Neill continues leading the company’s business strategy and operational changes.