Albert Manifold Responds to Allegations After BP Chairmanship Ends
Albert Manifold has publicly rejected what he describes as "lies" concerning his behaviour following his removal as chairman of BP earlier this week.
Having served as chairman for less than a year, Manifold emphasized that no individual should be "allowed to hide behind anonymity" when commenting on his tenure at the energy company.
He issued a statement addressing reports about his conduct after BP's board dismissed him with immediate effect on Tuesday.
In response to Manifold's statement, a BP spokesperson said:
"We note the comments of our former chair. We stand by the statement we have made. We have a duty of care to all our employees, particularly those impacted by his behaviour."
According to BBC sources, Manifold was removed due to concerns including "bullying" and "overbearing" behaviour. BP declined to confirm whether bullying was a factor in his immediate dismissal. The board's decision was unanimous.
Manifold Addresses Board Decision and Conduct Allegations
On Thursday, Manifold acknowledged that members of the board decided he would no longer serve as chairman but stated that during his time in the role, no issues regarding his conduct or relationships with colleagues were raised.
"In my 40-year working career, I have never once had accusations made against me such as those made in recent days. I dispute entirely this characterisation of my conduct," he said.
He further shared that his priorities as chairman, particularly regarding shareholder interests, "were not always shared by everyone."
"Where I saw unnecessary or excessive expenditure, I called it out."
Manifold added:
"I had no interest in taking private aviation nor in availing myself of corporate tickets for sports events. I made my own coffee, bought my lunch in the local cafe."
Board's Statement and Background on Manifold's Tenure
On Tuesday, senior independent director Amanda Blanc stated the board had been "surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action."
Manifold joined BP in September of the previous year and was appointed chairman the following month. At the time of his appointment, BP highlighted Manifold's "strong track record of strategic leadership and operational delivery."
Manifold Reflects on Leadership Style and Shareholder Concerns
Reflecting on his time as chairman, Manifold acknowledged that in his efforts to "drive change on costs, performance, the balance sheet and shareholder communications," he may have pushed hard and challenged people directly.
"But there is a considerable distance between driving an organisation with urgency and the characterisation of my conduct that is now being put about," he said.
Manifold's departure follows last month's annual general meeting (AGM), where nearly a fifth of BP shareholders voted against his election due to governance concerns.
