BP to appoint interim boss Murray Auchincloss as chief executive

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BP has decided to appoint interim boss Murray Auchincloss as its permanent chief executive, with the energy company expected to announce the move as early as Wednesday, according to people familiar with the matter.

The selection of Auchincloss, BP’s former chief financial officer, ends months of uncertainty following the abrupt resignation of Bernard Looney in September for failing to disclose past relationships with colleagues.

BP conducted an internal and external search for Looney’s replacement and has once again decided to promote someone from within the business. BP has never hired a chief executive from outside the company in its 113-year history.

Auchincloss joined BP from Amoco in 1998, when the UK-listed company merged with the US business.

He served as chief financial officer from July 2020 to September 2023, when he was named to take over from Looney on an interim basis.

BP’s decision to permanently appoint Auchincloss was first reported by Sky News.

BP declined to comment.