BP Weighs Sam Laidlaw and Ken MacKenzie to Succeed Chair Lund

BP Plc has identified Sam Laidlaw, the former chief executive of British Gas owner Centrica, and Ken MacKenzie, who chaired mining group BHP until earlier this year, as leading candidates to replace outgoing chairman Helge Lund, according to reports from Sky News cited by Reuters. Lund announced in April that he would step down, likely in 2026, after nearly a quarter of shareholders opposed his re-election at the company’s annual general meeting. The revolt was fuelled by activist investor Elliott Management and some climate-focused shareholders who have criticised BP’s strategy. Board director Amanda Blanc is overseeing the search process. BP declined to comment on the reported shortlist, which comes as the £62 billion energy major contends with takeover speculation and pressure to accelerate asset sales, including a possible $8 billion divestment of its Castrol lubricants unit.