BP's CEO shake-up signals the end of its green energy era

Core Viewpoint - BP has appointed Meg O'Neill as its new CEO, marking the fourth leadership change in six years, as the company aims to enhance performance and shareholder growth while reestablishing itself as a market leader in the oil and gas sector [1][2]. Leadership Changes - Meg O'Neill, previously the leader of Woodside Energy, will be the first woman to serve as CEO of a major oil company [2]. - O'Neill will officially take over in April 2024, succeeding Murray Auchincloss, who served as interim CEO and was appointed permanently in January 2024 [3]. - Auchincloss expressed confidence in BP's future growth under O'Neill's leadership after over three decades with the company [4]. Board Restructuring - Albert Manifold was appointed as the new chairman of BP's board, coming from a background in the building materials industry [5]. - The board changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance BP's competitiveness in the oil and gas market, especially after activist investor Elliott Investment Management acquired a 5% stake in the company [5]. Historical Context - BP's share price has struggled compared to competitors like Shell and ExxonMobil, partly due to ongoing financial liabilities from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, which costs the company around $1 billion annually [6]. - The company has faced significant losses, including a $25 billion write-off related to its investment in Russian oil company Rosneft following the invasion of Ukraine [7]. Strategic Shifts - Under former CEO Bernard Looney, BP attempted a significant pivot towards renewable energy but faced backlash and leadership changes due to internal issues [8]. - The company has since scaled back its green energy commitments and returned to fossil fuels, acknowledging that it may have moved "too far, too fast" in its transition to clean energy [9].