LONDON, Sept 2 — British oil giant BP on Wednesday made Ian Tyler its permanent chairman after he stepped into the role following the sudden removal of Albert Manifold over alleged governance concerns.

Tyler was appointed interim chair on May 26, the same day BP unexpectedly announced the removal of Manifold, citing “serious concerns” over management as well as oversight and conduct at the company, which he has strongly denied.

“BP... today announces that it has appointed Ian Tyler as chair of the company following an extensive search process, including both internal and external candidates,” the company said in a statement.

A month before Manifold’s departure, Meg O’Neill began her role as chief executive of BP, replacing Murray Auchincloss, who stepped down after less than two years at the helm.

Amid the internal unrest, BP faced a shareholder backlash at its annual meeting in April, with investors rejecting a resolution that would have reduced its climate reporting requirements. — AFP