Energy major BP has announced that Murray Auchincloss will be the new CEO (chief executive officer) of the company.
Auchincloss was appointed acting CEO in September last year, following the departure of former CEO Bernard Looney, so he is already well established in the role.
Nevertheless, the company’s chair, Helge Lund, said the appointment of Auchincloss followed a highly competitive and robust four-month-long search process. Many prominent candidates were considered, including some from outside the company. Ultimately, though, BP’s board unanimously agreed that Auchincloss was the best candidate to lead the company.
In a press release from BP, Auchincloss said he was honoured to head the company, which also includes the Castrol-branded lubricant and metalworking range. He reaffirmed the commitment to transitioning the company away from its traditional hydrocarbons business to become an integrated energy company, saying there was significant potential to create value.
He added:
“Now, more than ever, our focus must remain on delivery—operating safely and efficiently, executing with discipline, and always focusing on returns. This is how we will deliver real benefits for our customers and other stakeholders, and continue to grow long-term value for BP’s shareholders.”
Auchincloss joined BP’s board in July 2020 as its chief financial officer (CFO). Prior to this, he worked as deputy CFO, and within the company’s upstream division as head of business development. He also worked directly with then-CEO Bob Dudley between 2010 and 2013, with Auchincloss heading up the group chief executive’s office.
