BP names Meg O’Neill as next CEO
Carol Howle to serve as interim chief as Murray Auchincloss steps down after three decades.
BP has announced that Meg O’Neill will become its next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026. O’Neill, currently CEO of Woodside Energy, will succeed Murray Auchincloss, who is stepping down as CEO and board director on 18 December after more than 30 years with the company.
O’Neill brings extensive industry experience, having led Woodside Energy since 2021 and overseen its acquisition of BHP Petroleum International, creating Australia’s largest energy company. Prior to Woodside, she spent 23 years at ExxonMobil in technical and leadership roles worldwide.
Albert Manifold, BP’s chair, said the appointment followed a comprehensive succession process: “Her proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for BP. Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities.”
O’Neill commented: “BP plays a critical role in delivering energy to customers around the world. I look forward to working with the BP leadership team and colleagues worldwide to accelerate performance, advance safety, drive innovation and sustainability and do our part to meet the world’s energy needs.”
Carol Howle, BP’s executive vice president for supply, trading and shipping, will serve as interim CEO until O’Neill assumes the role. Auchincloss said the timing was right for new leadership: “I am confident that bp is now well positioned for significant growth and I look forward to watching the company’s future progress and success under Meg’s leadership.”
