BP defends Hayward after Russia comments

BP Plc defended its chief executive yesterday after Russia’s deputy prime minister said he expected Tony Hayward to resign soon, as a strengthening storm threatened efforts to capture more oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.

British-based BP said Hayward remained CEO and no change was under discussion after Igor Sechin said he expected Hayward to resign and Russian officials would be told the name of his successor in Moscow yesterday.

However, Sechin’s office said later that management changes were not raised when he met Hayward and BP remained committed to its strategic partnership with Russia on various projects.