BP Deputy CEO Carol Howle is departing in the latest shakeup to the oil giant’s leadership.
Howle is retiring after a 26-year career with the company. Executive Vice President of People, Culture & Communications Kerry Dryburgh is also leaving the company after 16 years.
“I want to thank Carol and Kerry for their outstanding commitment and contribution to BP and wish them every success for the future,” CEO Meg O’Neill said. “Carol led the company through a critical transitional phase as Interim and then Deputy CEO. With her departure, I have chosen not to replace the Deputy CEO role. We have significant actions underway to streamline the organizational model, and we have a focused leadership team in place.”
O’Neill took over in April after CEO Murray Auchincloss departed after activist shareholders expressed dismay with the company’s focus on shifting to renewable energy at a time when crude oil prices were soaring high. The board removed chairman Albert Manifold in May.
BP appointed Sam Skerry to serve as executive vice president of supply, trading and shipping and Sonya Adams as executive vice president of people and culture.
The London-based energy giant has locked out more than 800 workers at the BP Whiting Refinery since March 17 over a labor dispute.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott again called for an end to the lockout on social media on Wednesday.
“BP management needs to end this lockout immediately, return to the bargaining table, and negotiate in good faith with USW Local 7-1,” he posted. “A four-and-a-half-month lockout is causing real harm — to workers, their families, and the relationship between BP and this community. The damage to trust and goodwill won’t simply disappear when this dispute ends. It’s time to resolve this. Get back to the table. Reach a fair agreement. End the lockout.”
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