New BP boss announces major overhaul

BP’s incoming chief executive took the first steps in rebuilding shattered confidence in the group today as he announced plans for a new safety division with “sweeping powers”.

Bob Dudley, who takes over from embattled boss Tony Hayward on Friday, said the launch of the new safety arm was part of a widespread overhaul at BP to restore trust after the Gulf of Mexico disaster.

He also announced a major shake-up of its exploration business that will see head Andy Inglis quit, as well as a review of how it manages third-party contractors and incentivises business performance.

Mr Dudley said: “These are the first and most urgent steps in a programme I am putting in place to rebuild trust in BP – the trust of our customers, of governments, of our employees, and of the world at large.”

He added: “The changes are in areas where I believe we most clearly need to act, with safety and risk management our most urgent priority.”