BP CEO Hayward Could Leave Within Days - Reports

25th Jul 2010 11:20

(Dow Jones)--BP PLC (BP.LN) Chief Executive Tony Hayward could leave his job within days, with his fate and potential severance package to be decided at a board meeting Monday, various U.K. newspapers reported Sunday. Without citing sources, The Sunday Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday said Hayward has spent the weekend finalizing the details of his departure. The Sunday Telegraph said it appears "almost certain" that Hayward will announce his departure ahead of BP's half-year results due out Tuesday. However, the Sunday Times cited insiders as saying the Monday board meeting will decide whether Hayward announces his exit Tuesday alongside earnings results, or when the ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well is sealed in a few weeks' time. Bob Dudley, the American executive in charge of the oil spill clean-up operation, is considered the most likely successor to Hayward, although Iain Conn, head of refining and marketing, is thought to have some board support, the Sunday Times said. The Sunday Times added that it is thought that BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg is safe in his role for now. -By London Energy Desk, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 207 842 9262; [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 25, 2010 06:20 ET (10:20 GMT)