BP appoints Carol Howle as deputy CEO

Howle, who has spent 25 years with BP, served as interim CEO since BP announced O’Neill’s appointment in December last year, replacing Murray Auchincloss.

BP said in a statement on Thursday that Howle will continue to lead supply, trading, and shipping (ST&S) and, in her new role, will also oversee the company’s ongoing portfolio review and strategy development.

To support these changes, BP’s strategy and sustainability team will now report to Howle.

“As I step into my new role I am committed to providing clear direction and consistency so our company can move forward with confidence,” O’Neill said.

“To support this, Carol will oversee the ongoing portfolio review and long-term strategy development beyond our 2027 targets. I’m looking forward to working closely with her to deliver a simpler, stronger, more valuable bp to maximize value for our shareholders,” she said.

O’Neill previously served as CEO of Australian LNG player Woodside.

Since her appointment as CEO in 2021, O’Neill has grown Woodside into the largest energy company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, BP previously said.

“Among her many accomplishments at Woodside, she oversaw the transformative acquisition of BHP Petroleum International, creating a geographically diverse business with a portfolio of high-quality oil and gas assets,” BP said.

Before joining Woodside in 2018, O’Neill spent 23 years at ExxonMobil in technical, operational, and leadership positions around the world.