BP Names Heads of Newly-Created Segments as Part of Simplification Push — Update

By Adam Whittaker

BP has named Gordon Birrell as the head of its upstream division and Richard Harding as interim head of downstream as it pushes ahead with an organizational restructure intended to simplify how it operates and speed up decision-making.

The restructure is the latest signal management is accelerating its simplification efforts as it refocuses its attention on oil and gas. Both will assume their positions July 1 and BP said a recruitment process is under way to appoint a permanent head of the downstream business.

The two-segment operating model undoes changes made by former chief executive Bernard Looney that were initiated as part of BP's pivot to lower-carbon sources of energy. BP currently has three segments--with gas and low-carbon energy existing as a separate division.

New Chief Executive Meg O'Neill has been brought in to oversee a shift back to its traditional fossil fuels business and help restore investor confidence that the company can invest wisely after a foray into renewable sources of energy failed to deliver. These efforts have been hampered by the recent departure of Chairman Albert Manifold, who was abruptly fired last month amid concerns about bullying behavior.

BP said the restructure will clarify accountabilities and enable faster decision-making.

The upstream unit will cover fossil-fuel exploration and production, and will house BP's upstream joint ventures, as well as its renewable natural gas and carbon capture and storage business.

The downstream unit will house refining and terminals, as well as BP's mobility and convenience, and fuels businesses.

BP's renewable businesses, which include solar and offshore wind, will sit within the company's technology function.

BP has been paring back spending on its renewable assets amid a push to cut debt and boost returns for shareholders.

BP's vast trading business, which is led by deputy CEO Carol Howle, will operate across both units.

Write to Adam Whittaker at adam.whittaker@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 09, 2026 09:30 ET (13:30 GMT)