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bp Plc has appointed Albert Manifold as its new chairman and non-executive director, effective from 1st September 2025. He will replace outgoing chair Helge Lund, who leaves on October 1st this year. “His impressive track record of shareholder value creation at [building firm] CRH demonstrates that he is the ideal candidate to oversee bp’s next chapter,” said Amanda Blanc, the senior independent director who led the search for BP’s new chairman.

The move comes at a time of some turbulence at the top of bp, with poor performance figures and pressure for a change in the company’s direction from activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management. CEO Murray Auchincloss announced a refocusing of the company in February, away from the company’s ‘net zero’ strategy back towards a focus on its oil and gas assets, along with divestments in its portfolio to reduce debt and improve the balance sheet, including a likely $8-10 billion sale of its lubricants business Castrol.

Other recent oil and gas focused appointments at bp have included Simon Henry, former CFO of Shell and a board member of Rio Tinto Plc and Harbour Energy Plc, as well as a former director of Lloyds Banking Group Plc and PetroChina Ltd. In May the company also appointed oil industry veteran Dave Hager to the board, who has 40 years of experience in the oil sector, recently leading US shale producer Devon Energy Corp. as chief executive and then executive chairman.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has appointed David Bird as CEO of its petroleum and petrochemicals business, effective from July 2025. A former Shell executive with over 20 years’ experience, Bird steps in as the refinery pushes through operational challenges and scales up plans for nationwide fuel distribution. Chairman Aliko Dangote will continue in his current role while overseeing the group’s wider operations across cement, fertiliser, and sugar.

The Board of Rio Tinto has appointed Simon Trott to succeed Jakob Stausholm as Chief Executive, with effect from 25 August 2025. The company says that Trott, currently Iron Ore Chief Executive, has a track record of exceptional delivery over 25 years in roles across a wide range of commodities and geographies, with a strong focus on values-based performance culture and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders. As Chief Commercial Officer, he established the Group’s Commercial operations, unlocking efficiency and deepening strategic customer relationships. Prior to this he held Managing Director roles across multiple Rio Tinto commodities and geographies.

Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton said: “Simon is an outstanding leader with a deep understanding of mining and a track record of delivering operational excellence and creating value across our business. Simon and the Board are aligned that Rio Tinto’s next phase is about unlocking significant value for shareholders from our portfolio, driven by operational performance, and cost and financial discipline.

“Simon came into our Iron Ore business at a time of significant challenges and has been instrumental in rebuilding culture, strengthening external relationships and setting us on a pathway for growth. Under his leadership, Iron Ore has become a centre of innovation for the Group, driving operational excellence, technology and operating model optimisation – levers Simon can now bring to Rio Tinto at scale.

“I want to again recognise Jakob’s significant contribution to Rio Tinto at a critical time in its evolution. Under his leadership we have rebuilt relationships with key stakeholders, aligned our portfolio with the commodities where demand growth is strongest, and set a compelling growth trajectory.”

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Designate Simon Trott said: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Rio Tinto, and I am excited about our future. The progress we have made over recent years gives us a foundation to build on with discipline and focus to deliver improved performance. With our outstanding assets and people around the world, we are well positioned to grow value for shareholders and the communities who host us. Matt Holcz, currently Managing Director, Pilbara Mines at Rio Tinto, will be providing interim support in the Chief Executive Iron Ore role until a permanent appointment is made.