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Speculation is mounting today that BP will attempt to stem the fallout of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill fiasco with the announcement that CEO, Tony Hayward, is to step down.
The manner in which Hayward has handled the crisis, including the plea that he wanted his “life back” and sailing around the pollution-free waters of the Isle of Wight in holiday mode, has deepened both the company’s, and Mr. Hayward’s unpopularity in the United States.
Several unconfirmed UK news sources are reporting that he is currently involved in departure negotiation talks and are expecting these to be finalized later today at a BP board meeting.
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig, drilling in the Gulf Of Mexico, exploded in April killing 11 workers and releasing the equivalent volume of over 1 million barrels of oil into the Gulf before BP were finally able to cap the leak last week.
Despite the rumors, BP would not be drawn into discussing Hayward’s future, but issued a statement over the weekend, stating: “BP notes the press speculation over the weekend regarding potential changes to management and the charge for the costs of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. BP confirms that no final decision has been made on these matters.”
There was no further comment from a BP spokesman today, except to say that it was usual to have a board meeting the day before results were announced.
