BP has named Meg O’Neill as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a major leadership change. She will take up the role in the new year following a structured succession plan led by the board.

The appointment comes after an extensive search and brings a leader with wide experience across both global oil majors and independent energy companies. Meg spent over 20 years in senior roles at ExxonMobil before joining Woodside Energy in 2018 and becoming CEO in 2021.

Murray Auchincloss will step down as CEO and board director on this month. Carol Howle, currently executive vice president for supply, trading and shipping, will act as interim CEO until Meg officially starts. Auchincloss will remain in an advisory role through December 2026 to support a smooth handover.

“We are delighted to welcome Meg O’Neill to the bp team. Her proven track record of driving transformation, growth, and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for bp. Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities.”

Albert Manifold, Chair, BP

A Change at the Top

At Woodside Energy, Meg led a period of significant change. Under her leadership, the company became the largest energy business listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, boosted by the acquisition of BHP Petroleum International. The deal expanded Woodside’s global reach and diversified its oil and gas portfolio.

Before that, Meg spent 23 years at ExxonMobil in technical, operational, and leadership roles across the US, Asia, and Europe, giving her broad insight into global energy markets. She also chairs Australian Energy Producers and sits on the boards of the Business Council of Australia and the American Petroleum Institute, showing her influence across the sector.

Meg brings experience in running large operations, managing acquisitions, and improving performance all while keeping safety and sustainability in focus. Her time at both major and independent energy companies gives her a wide perspective on the industry, which will guide BP’s next steps.

What’s First on the Agenda?

Meg has outlined clear priorities for her tenure. She has highlighted the strength of BP’s asset base, alongside opportunities to improve performance and unlock additional value. Her approach centres on operational excellence, safety, disciplined capital allocation, and continued innovation in efficiency and sustainability.

The board sees these competencies as central to the company’s strategic objectives, which include improving profitability and refining the operational model without losing sight of long-term energy supply commitments.

Planned Succession

The interim leadership period is designed to maintain momentum while allowing a thorough handover. Carol Howle brings more than 25 years of experience at BP, with senior roles spanning supply chain management, trading, shipping, and corporate finance.

Her previous positions include chief operating officer roles within integrated supply and trading and natural gas liquids, as well as regional leadership for global oil operations in Europe. She has also served as head of the group chief executive’s office, giving her a broad understanding of BP’s organisational structure and strategic priorities.

The Road Ahead

BP’s leadership change comes as the energy sector faces market shifts, new technology, and changing regulations. Meg’s experience running large organisations through change positions her to lead effectively.

“BP plays a critical role in delivering energy to customers around the world. I am honoured to serve as the company’s next CEO. With an extraordinary portfolio of assets, bp has significant potential to reestablish market leadership and grow shareholder value. I look forward to working with the bp leadership team and colleagues worldwide to accelerate performance, advance safety, drive innovation and sustainability and do our part to meet the world’s energy needs.”

Meg O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, BP

The company’s focus remains on simpler operations, greater efficiency, and stronger financial performance. With interim leadership ensuring continuity, BP is preparing for its next phase under Meg, guided by focus, discipline, and a practical approach to a changing energy landscape.