bp names Meg O’Neill as next CEO in leadership transition

(WO) - bp p.l.c. announced a major leadership transition, naming Meg O’Neill as its next chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026. O’Neill, currently CEO of Woodside Energy, will succeed Murray Auchincloss, who is stepping down as CEO and as a director of the board effective Dec. 18, 2025. 

Murray Auchincloss, who served as CEO of bp for just over two years (from 2023 to December 2025), steps down following the board’s appointment of Meg O’Neill as his successor

During the transition period, Carol Howle, bp’s executive vice president for supply, trading and shipping, will serve as interim CEO until O’Neill assumes the role. Auchincloss will remain in an advisory capacity through December 2026 to support a smooth handover.

bp’s board said O’Neill was selected following a comprehensive succession planning process and cited her track record in driving transformation, growth and disciplined capital allocation. As CEO of Woodside since 2021, O’Neill led the company through the acquisition of BHP Petroleum International, creating a larger, more geographically diversified oil and gas portfolio. Prior to joining Woodside in 2018, she spent more than two decades at ExxonMobil, holding a range of technical, operational and leadership roles worldwide.

bp Chair Albert Manifold said the appointment creates an opportunity to accelerate the company’s strategy to become “simpler, leaner and more profitable,” adding that stronger rigor and execution will be required to maximize shareholder value in the next phase of bp’s evolution.

O’Neill said bp plays a critical role in meeting global energy demand and highlighted the company’s asset base and potential to strengthen performance and market leadership. She added that her focus will include safety, operational performance, innovation and sustainability as bp navigates a changing energy landscape.

Auchincloss, who has spent more than 30 years with bp, said the timing was right to hand leadership to a new CEO and expressed confidence in the company’s position for future growth under O’Neill’s leadership.

The board also thanked Howle for agreeing to serve as interim CEO, noting her 25 years of experience at bp and her role in maintaining strategic continuity during the transition.

Top image credited to Nicky Loh, Bloomberg