BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its permanent chair with immediate effect after an extensive search considered both internal and external candidates. Tyler takes up the position right away after serving as interim chair since May 2025, when the board dismissed predecessor Albert Manifold after less than eight months, citing governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable. Manifold disputed the company's account and sought legal advice. BP shares were little changed in early London trading but have gained around 25% since the beginning of the year, broadly matching the rise in rival Shell's shares. Tyler joined BP's board as a non-executive director in April 2025. He is a former chief executive of construction group Balfour Beatty and currently chairs building materials company Grafton Group, drawing on a non-executive career spanning listed and privately owned companies in the oil and gas, natural resources and engineering sectors in which he has worked alongside more than 15 chief executives. Senior independent director Dame Amanda Blanc, who oversaw the searches for both predecessors, said Tyler brings significant experience providing challenge and support to executive teams while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders. Tyler will lead the board as it oversees chief executive Meg O'Neill's restructuring programme aimed at simplifying BP's portfolio, strengthening its balance sheet and imposing tighter investment discipline. BP is seeking to reduce net debt to between $14 billion and $18 billion by the end of 2027, from an estimated $22 billion to $23 billion at the end of June. The target formed part of a strategic reset announced in February 2025 when BP shifted investment back towards oil and gas, reduced planned spending on low-carbon businesses and promised tighter capital allocation. Blanc will not seek re-election at next year's annual general meeting and will leave the board once a successor has been appointed.