Ex-BP chair Manifold says not everyone shared his efficiency priorities, but praises executives

[LONDON] Ousted BP chair Albert Manifold said on Thursday that he felt not everyone at the oil major had shared his priorities of cutting costs, simplifying the company’s portfolio and strengthening its balance sheet.

However, he described newly appointed CEO Meg O’Neill and CFO Kate Thomson along with their executive colleagues as “brimming with integrity”.

In the latest leadership turmoil to rock BP, the board fired Manifold on Tuesday after just an eight-month stint as chairman, expressing serious concerns about his governance standards and conduct.

Four sources with knowledge of the matter said Manifold had acted aggressively with various colleagues across the company, citing that as one reason for his ouster.

“Is it possible that in my determination to drive change on costs, performance, the balance sheet and shareholder communications, I pushed hard and challenged people directly? Yes, it is,” Manifold said in a statement.

“What I do not accept is that lies can be told about me, nor that anyone should be allowed to hide behind anonymity when commenting on my time at BP,” he added.

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A source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that Manifold had hired law firm Mishcon de Reya to represent him in the aftermath of his dismissal.

A spokesperson for Manifold declined to comment on Thursday regarding what, if any, action he was planning to take against BP. REUTERS