BP’s Albert Manifold was criticized for abusing colleagues before being abruptly sacked: report

BP’s sudden sacking of chairman Albert Manifold this week – the latest in a string of scandalous departures from the oil major – followed “numerous” complaints from whistleblowers about “bullying” by colleagues, according to a report.

Although Manifold played a key role in nudging CEO Meg O’Neill to join BP a few months ago, tensions between the leaders flared as the Irish businessman allegedly pretended to be an executive tasked with day-to-day operations, according to the Financial Times.

Manifold – from Irish materials group CRH and who had never held a job in the energy industry before BP – spoke softly to staff at all levels and used a “shout-out” management style at odds with the oil company’s corporate culture, sources told the FT.

BP on Tuesday announced Manifold’s departure “immediately” following “significant concerns” about “significant levels of governance, oversight and conduct.”

“Albet has helped bring welcome focus and speed to BP’s transformation,” Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director who oversaw Manifold’s appointment last fall, said in a statement.

“However, the board was surprised and disappointed to learn of the management’s handling of the issues and conduct it deems unacceptable and has taken serious action.”

Manifold disputed that behavior, saying, “I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged.”

He told the FT that his dismissal was “just out of the blue”, even though he had worked to “drive real change at BP – to cut costs, challenge excesses, and keep the organization high.”

BP declined to comment further on the specific allegations against Manifold. Manifold did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Sources have told the FT that BP is now preparing for legal action from Manifold, who pushed back the board and helped the stock rise more than 20% in less than eight months at the company.

As chairman, Manifold was backed by activist hedge fund Elliott, which has built up around 5% of the oil giant – but his stake on the board has been shrinking, receiving less support than usual at a general meeting in April.

Many junior and senior colleagues at BP found Manifold “impossible to work with” as he “wants to control everything,” a source told the FT – adding “You can’t work like that anymore.”

Two sources accused Manifold of violating BP policies by using personal accounts or company business resources. A source close to Manifold refuted the claim, saying it was BP that had sent Manifold’s personal email address.

BP has experienced a series of upheavals in the past three years, including two chairmen and two CEOs, since 2023 when former chief executive Bernard Looney was fired after lying to the board about the extent of his relationship with employees.

In December, BP said goodbye to another chief executive, Murray Auchincloss, who gave no clear reason for his sudden departure.

A number helped persuade O’Neill to take the post, becoming BP’s chief executive from 2020 in what has grown to be seen as a cursed role in the industry.

O’Neill voted with the entire board to oust Manifold, which some hope is a sign that a new CEO is in charge of the company and can revive its reputation, according to the FT.

He has already split BP into two major oil and gas businesses, reversed a sharp pivot to renewables that failed to resonate with investors, and is known for operating in a “no-nonsense” management style, the report said.

But critics believe Manifold’s sacking is just the latest sign that BP’s leadership is on life support – and some say his exit will leave O’Neill vulnerable, as he will be seen as the only party responsible for any future missteps at the company, reports the FT.

Shares in BP are down 6.8% so far this week following Manifold’s exit. The stock is up nearly 42% over the past 12 months.