BP has formally appointed Ian Taylor as its new chair, bringing an end to the leadership uncertainty that has gripped the company's boardroom since the abrupt removal of former chair Albert Manifold in May.

Taylor, who joined the BP board as a non-executive director in April last year and has served as interim chair since 26 May, takes on the role with immediate effect. The energy giant highlighted Taylor's extensive non-executive experience across listed and unlisted companies in the oil and gas, natural resources, and engineering sectors, noting that he has worked with more than 15 chief executives during his career.

Amanda Blanc, senior independent director at BP, said in a statement: "Ian combines deep experience with the ability to both challenge and support management while ensuring strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders." The company also announced that Blanc will not seek re-election at the 2027 Annual General Meeting, and will step down from the board once her successor has been identified.

Taylor said he had asked Blanc to remain, but she felt that after four years in the role, now was the right time to plan her exit from the board. "I will drive the ongoing evolution of the board to ensure it has the talent, expertise, and capability to support the delivery of our strategy and long-term value creation," Taylor said. "I will also work to maintain an open and transparent dialogue with shareholders, and support the management team in delivering the operational performance and returns that investors expect."

Taylor's formal appointment is intended to help BP move past a period characterised by frequent executive departures and shifting strategic direction. The London-listed energy major is refocusing on its core oil and gas operations while streamlining its portfolio and maintaining strict financial discipline. In early trading on Wednesday, BP shares rose around 0.4%; the stock is up roughly 25% year-to-date.

The governance shake-up traces back to May, when BP removed Manifold from the chair role with immediate effect. Manifold had served only around seven months before the board cited serious concerns over governance standards, oversight, and personal conduct. The former chair disputed the decision, saying he was "removed without warning and without a proper explanation" and rejecting the characterisation of his behaviour.

The string of unexpected senior departures has raised questions about BP's corporate governance. In 2023, then-chief executive Bernard Looney resigned after the company said he had misled the board over past personal relationships with colleagues. Murray Auchincloss succeeded him but stepped down in less than two years. The current chief executive, Meg O'Neill, took office in December 2025 and is the company's fourth CEO in six years.