BP Appoints Meg O'Neill as CEO in Historic Leadership Change

BP plc has appointed Meg O’Neill as its next chief executive, signaling a decisive leadership change as the energy major responds to investor pressure and a shifting strategic direction.

The appointment was announced on December 18, 2025, and O’Neill will assume the role on April 1, 2026, following the sudden exit of current CEO Murray Auchincloss.

O’Neill, who currently serves as chief executive of Woodside Energy, becomes the first externally hired CEO in BP’s 115-year history and the first woman to lead one of the world’s five largest oil and gas companies.

Her appointment comes at a time when BP is reassessing its long-term strategy after years of uneven performance and market criticism over capital allocation and returns.

• BP appoints Meg O’Neill as CEO in first external and female leadership hire
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• BP signals shift toward capital discipline as investor pressure reshapes strategy

BP chair Albert Manifold said O’Neill was selected for her operational discipline and experience in managing large-scale energy assets. Investors, including activist firm Elliott Investment Management, have recently pushed BP to improve profitability, simplify its portfolio, and reduce spending on lower-return renewable projects. In response, BP has scaled back parts of its energy transition strategy and renewed its focus on oil, gas, and cash generation.

Until O’Neill takes over, Carol Howle, BP’s executive vice president for supply, trading and shipping, will act as interim CEO. Auchincloss stepped down on December 18 but will remain with BP in an advisory role until December 2026 to support continuity during the transition.

O’Neill leaves Woodside after leading the company through major structural changes, including the merger with BHP’s petroleum business and expansion of its global liquefied natural gas portfolio. Following her departure, Woodside named Liz Westcott as acting CEO while it searches for a permanent replacement.

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A former ExxonMobil executive, O’Neill is widely regarded for her operational focus and capital discipline. Her appointment underscores BP’s intent to reset leadership and sharpen execution as it navigates volatile energy markets and intensifying competition among global oil majors.