BP has appointed Albert Manifold as the company’s next chair, succeeding Helge Lund, who will step down later this year. The transition comes at a time when the energy company continues to navigate shifts in its long-term strategy and market positioning.
Manifold will join BP’s board as a non-executive director and chair-elect on 1 September, before assuming the chair role on 1 October. Lund, who has served as chair since 2019, announced his intention to step down in April.
“It is an honour 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,” Manifold said in a statement. “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 [Auchincloss] and the leadership team to accelerate delivery of BP’s strategy and drive compelling and sustainable shareholder value creation.”
Manifold was chief executive of building materials group CRH from 2014 until the end of 2024. During his tenure, he led significant restructuring efforts and was credited with sharpening the company’s focus on capital efficiency and shareholder returns. He currently holds non-executive director positions at global chemical producer LyondellBasell and engineering firm Mercury Engineering.
BP said Manifold brings extensive experience in strategy execution, operational performance, and financial management—areas the company has emphasised as it balances its traditional oil and gas operations with its evolving energy transition goals.
The appointment follows a period of strategic recalibration at BP, which has faced criticism for scaling back its renewable energy targets while reaffirming its commitment to hydrocarbon production.
BP’s senior independent director, Dame Amanda Blanc, led the search process. “Following a rigorous and comprehensive global search, we have been able to appoint Albert as our new chair,” Blanc said. “His impressive track record of shareholder value creation at CRH demonstrates he is the ideal candidate to oversee BP’s next chapter.
Blanc also acknowledged Lund’s contributions: On behalf of the company, I would 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.
Manifold is a certified public accountant and holds Master’s degrees in business administration and business studies from Dublin City University.
