bp has announced the appointment of Albert Manifold as the new chair of the company, succeeding Helge Lund. Manifold will officially join the bp board as a non-executive director and chair-elect on September 1st, with plans to transition into the role of chair on October 1st. At that point, Helge Lund will conclude his tenure as chair and director of the bp board, marking the end of an era for the company.
Albert Manifold brings a wealth of experience to bp from his previous role as the Chief Executive Officer of CRH, a leading global building materials company, which he helmed from January 2014 until December 2024. During his time at CRH, he implemented strategic restructuring initiatives that significantly enhanced the company’s growth trajectory and overall performance. Manifold is recognized for his exceptional strategic leadership and operational execution, emphasizing cost efficiency, disciplined capital allocation, and robust cash flow generation.
In addition to his upcoming role at bp, Manifold serves as a non-executive director at LyondellBasell, a prominent global chemicals producer traded on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as at Mercury Engineering, a privately-owned engineering consultancy known for its innovative solutions.
Manifold has an MBA and a Master in Business Studies from Dublin City University. And he is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Accountant. Additionally, he advises the board of CRH and provides counsel at Clayton Dubilier & Rice, leveraging his extensive corporate experience.
KEY QUOTE:
“It is an honor to be appointed chair of one of the world’s great energy companies, and to have the opportunity to help the company reach its full potential. bp has a vital role to play in addressing the world’s growing energy needs. I look forward to working with the bp board, Murray and the leadership team to accelerate delivery of bp’s strategy and drive compelling and sustainable shareholder value creation.”
Albert Manifold
“I am delighted that following a rigorous and comprehensive global search we have been able to appoint Albert as our new chair. His impressive track record of shareholder value creation at CRH demonstrates he is the ideal candidate to oversee bp’s next chapter.”
“Albert has a relentless focus on performance which is well suited to bp’s needs now and into the future. He transformed and refocused CRH into a global leader by building on its rich heritage to deliver superior growth, cash generation and returns.”
“On behalf of the company, I would also like to thank Helge for his leadership and dedicated service to bp throughout the past seven years. His contribution through a period of immense change has been invaluable.”
Amanda Blanc, bp’s senior independent director, who led the succession process on behalf of the board
