BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its new chair with immediate effect, ending an extensive search for the company’s next board leader and cementing a new leadership team under CEO Meg O’Neill.

 

Tyler, who joined BP’s board as a non-executive director in April 2025, has served as interim chair since 26 May 2026. His appointment follows a search that considered both internal and external candidates.

 

The veteran non-executive has worked alongside more than 15 chief executives during a career spanning listed and private companies in oil and gas, natural resources and engineering. He is currently chair of Grafton Group plc and senior independent director of Anglo American plc. He has also chaired Cairn Energy plc and served as a non-executive director of BAE Systems plc.

 

Dame Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director, said: "I am delighted that the board has unanimously appointed Ian Tyler as Chair of bp. Ian brings significant experience providing challenge and support to executive teams, while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders.

 

"These qualities have been evident during his time as Interim Chair, where he has secured the confidence of the board and executive management through his considered leadership, judgement and integrity."

 

Tyler said: “I am honoured that the board of bp has appointed me as its chair. It has been a privilege to work directly with Meg O’Neill over the past few months and to see the impact she has had since her arrival.

 

“I will lead the board’s evolution, ensuring we have the depth, experience and capabilities needed to support the company's strategic priorities and long-term value creation. I am committed to establishing regular and transparent engagement with our shareholders, while continuing to support the wider leadership team as they deliver the performance and value our shareholders rightfully expect.”

 

The leadership change comes alongside the planned departure of Blanc, who has told the board she will not seek re-election at BP’s 2027 AGM.

 

Blanc will remain on the board until a successor is appointed as senior independent director, after which she will step down.

 

Tyler paid tribute to Blanc’s contribution, saying: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Amanda for her enormous contribution to the company. While I had asked Amanda to stay, she believes that after four years and having just completed the management of the chair search process, now is an appropriate time to plan her departure from the board and I respect that decision.

 

“Personally, I have hugely valued her insight and counsel, and I am very grateful that she has agreed to continue until such time as her successor is appointed.”

 

Blanc said: “It has been an honour to have served on the board of bp and as senior independent director. I will leave knowing that bp has a strong foundation with Meg and Ian now in place and wish them and the company every success for the future.”