bp announces organisational changes and executive team updates

In a significant restructuring move, bp has streamlined its organisational structure and announced changes to its executive team on April 18. This overhaul is aimed at reducing complexity within the company and better aligning with its strategic priorities outlined earlier in February 2024.

The restructuring involves simplifying bp’s internal setup to eliminate duplication and reduce the complexity of reporting lines. The company will maintain its core business structure, which includes production & operations, gas & low carbon energy, and customers & products, all supported by trading & shipping. However, the former regions, corporates & solutions (RC&S) organisation will be integrated into these main businesses and functions and bp will now be supported by five functions: finance; technology; strategy, sustainability & ventures; people & culture; and legal.

The organisational streamlining will not affect bp’s financial reporting structure but is expected to enhance operational efficiency and focus. The executive leadership team has been resized to 10 members, aligning with the company’s streamlined approach.

As part of these changes, William Lin, who previously led regions, corporates & solutions, will now take over as the head of the gas & low carbon energy business. Lin replaces Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath, who is retiring. Emeka Emembolu will step into a new role leading the technology function, taking over from Leigh-Ann Russell, who has decided to leave bp for another opportunity.

Murray Auchincloss, bp’s CEO, emphasised the strategic importance of these changes. “As I set out in February, bp’s destination from IOC [International Oil Company] to IEC [Integrated Energy Company] is unchanged—and we need to deliver as a simpler, more focused and higher value company. These changes will help us do just that, reducing complexity within bp, allowing our team to focus on delivering our priorities and growing the value of bp.” He noted Lin’s extensive experience and track record in managing complex partnerships and Emembolu’s deep technical expertise and leadership across various company segments.

Lin is already a member of bp’s leadership team in his current role as executive vice president for regions, corporates & solutions. For the past four years, he has led RC&S as a key integrator of bp’s global activities with customers, partners, and governments.  Lin has worked in bp for 28 years, holding senior management roles across the world including in Asia Pacific, Egypt and the U.S., and as head of bp’s group chief executive office and as chief operating officer in the former Upstream responsible for all oil and gas regions across the portfolio.

Emembolu has worked as chief of staff for the past two years. In this role he has run the CEO office and provided direct support and advice to the bp leadership team. Emembolu has been with bp for 25 years, starting his career working offshore as an engineer. Before joining the executive office, he ran bp’s business in the North Sea. Prior to that, he held a range of senior technical leadership roles in the Gulf of Mexico/Canada, North Africa and Alaska businesses and in bp’s subsurface function.

“Anja has made a hugely positive and lasting impact, building a world class team and low carbon business platform and leading and implementing the right low carbon strategy for bp for the long term. Leigh-Ann has ensured bp kept aware of both the opportunities and risks presented by today’s fast-developing technologies. Her leadership, commitment to building diverse teams, and care for people are deeply appreciated throughout bp. I wish them both all the very best for the future,” Auchincloss said.

The changes come at a time when bp continues to adjust its business model in response to changing global energy demands and the increasing importance of sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions. The company remains committed to its goals of increasing shareholder value and playing a pivotal role in the energy transition.

These strategic adjustments are anticipated to help bp become a more focused and agile entity, capable of rapidly responding to the dynamic energy market and better serving its customers and stakeholders.