On Monday, the board of BP (BP.L) short-listed three internal candidates to step into the shoes of Bernard Looney, the former CEO who held the position for less than four years. On the list are interim CEO Murray Auchincloss, the head of trading and shipping, Carol Howe, and Emma Delaney, the head of customers and products.
BP gears up for a new CEO
Looney resigned with immediate effect on 12 September after informing the company he was not completely honest and forthcoming regarding his personal relationships with co-workers. Following an investigation, the British oil giant dismissed Looney on 13 December without notice.
Last week, BP announced it withheld approximately $40m in remuneration following the prompt dismissal. Now that the dust has somewhat settled regarding this scandal, the organisation is keen to move on and appoint a suited captain.
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Reuters indicated that, apart from the three internal candidates, BP is also looking at some external potentials. In a previous report, the company said it would consider both internal and external candidates. Should Howle or Delaney be appointed as CEO, it would be the first time a woman occupies the top job in one of the leading Western oil and gas companies.
Plus, an internal appointment would mean the candidate is already on board with the company’s agenda to chop carbon emissions and focus on renewables and clean fuels by 2030. According to Reuters, an announcement on the appointment is anticipated in the first quarter of 2024. Among the internal possibilities, those in the know peg Auchincloss as the most likely candidate.
