Albert Manifold, the recently ousted chairman of BP, is speaking out. After being removed from his position this past Tuesday, he firmly rejects the “lies” regarding his behavior during his brief tenure at the energy giant. Manifold, who held the chairman role for less than a year, emphasized that no one should be able to “hide behind anonymity” when discussing his conduct at the company. His dismissal was described by BP as a decision made due to “serious concerns” related to governance standards, oversight, and overall conduct.
In a statement issued shortly after his removal, Manifold acknowledged the board’s decision to terminate his role as both Chairman and Director of BP. However, he made it clear that throughout his time at the top, no issues regarding his conduct or relationships with colleagues were ever raised. In fact, he expressed his disbelief at the accusations, stating, “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.”
Manifold highlighted that his priorities, particularly when it came to shareholder interests, may not have been shared by all within the company. He was vocal about unnecessary or excessive expenditures during his time, insisting that he had no interest in using private jets or corporate tickets for sporting events. Instead, he mentioned, “I made my own coffee, bought my lunch in the local cafe.” This down-to-earth approach certainly paints a different picture than the one being circulated.
Meanwhile, BP announced an “exceptional” performance in its oil trading business, and noted a major project aimed at advancing clean public transportation in Granite City. This multi-million-pound project in Aberdeen is touted as the future of sustainable transport, which makes the timing of Manifold’s dismissal even more intriguing. The Spelthorne Borough Council, the owner of the Sunbury site, has expressed that Manifold will be “sadly missed” as the company transitions.
As BP prepares for a new leadership era, they also decided to suspend their share buyback program in anticipation of the new boss. It’s a significant move that raises questions about the company’s direction moving forward.
What does this mean for BP’s future and for Manifold? The energy sector is surely watching closely…
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber