BP will streamline leadership after Carol Howle’s departure, eliminating her deputy CEO role and reassigning trading responsibilities.
BP announced Tuesday that deputy CEO Carol Howle will retire in the third quarter after 26 years with the company. CEO Meg O’Neill will not replace Howle’s role, citing ongoing efforts to simplify the organizational structure and a focused leadership team in place.
Howle had been elevated to deputy CEO in April following a stint as interim chief executive. Her departure follows a period of executive turnover at BP, including the exits of four top leaders since 2023. The company also announced leadership changes, with Sam Skerry taking over trading responsibilities and Sonya Adams overseeing people and culture.
Skerry, previously head of M&A, will become head of supply, trading, and shipping on August 1. Adams, currently chief of staff, will assume her new role the same day, while Kerry Dryburgh, the outgoing people and culture lead, will leave BP after 16 years.