UK supermajor BP has appointed Murray Auchincloss as the chief executive officer (CEO) with immediate effect.
Auchincloss was named the interim CEO in September 2023 after the previous CEO, Bernard Looney, resigned from his position for failing to fully disclose details of past personal relationships with colleagues. The newly appointed CEO will continue as a member of the company’s board of directors.
He joined Amoco Canada in 1992 and following financial and planning roles in Canada and the US, his career included periods as commercial director for BP’s Onshore North America business and CFO for the company’s North Sea business.
From 2010-2013 Murray was head of the supermajor’s group chief executive’s office, working directly with then CEO Bob Dudley.
Before becoming interim CEO, Auchincloss had been BP’s chief financial officer since July 2020, at which time he also joined the company’s board. He had previously served as CFO, deputy CFO, and head of business development for BP’s upstream segment.
“Since September, BP’s board has undertaken a thorough and highly competitive process to identify the next CEO, considering several high-calibre candidates in detail. The board is in complete agreement that Murray is the outstanding candidate and is the right leader for BP,” said Helge Lund, chair of BP.
“It’s an honour to lead BP – this is a great company with great people. Our strategy – from an international oil company to an integrated energy company, or IOC to IEC – does not change. I’m convinced about the significant value we can create,” Auchincloss stated.
Wish him all the best and hope he isn’t forced to resign as three of his four predecessor’s had to.