BP deputy CEO and head of trading Howle to retire

30th Jun 2026 15:30

(Sharecast News) - BP said on Tuesday that deputy chief executive Carol Howle has decided to retire in the third quarter, after less than three months in the job.

Howle, who has had a 26-year career at BP and was also head of trading, was appointed deputy CEO in April.

The oil giant also said that Kerry Dryburgh, executive vice president of people, culture & communications, has decided to leave the company after 16 years later in the third quarter.

Sam Skerry was named European vice president of supply, trading & shipping. Skerry has almost 30 years of experience at BP, having spent most of her career leading businesses in trading across oil, natural gas and derivatives. Most recently she held the role of senior vice president of mergers & acquisitions and business development.

Sonya Adams has been appointed to the role of European vice president of people & culture. Adams has more than 25 years' experience with BP and has held a broad range of senior leadership roles across Asia Pacific, Europe and the UK, spanning customers & products, finance, transformation and, most recently, as chief of staff to the chief executive. Both roles will become effective on 1 August.

Chief executive officer Meg O'Neill, said: "Sam and Sonya bring significant leadership experience to these roles. Sam is widely respected for her commercial and strategic insight, and for her ability to navigate complex, high‑profile commercial situations.

"As chief of staff, Sonya developed a deep understanding of the company and the levers that drive performance. She is passionate about the role of culture, leadership, and capability in enabling strategic shifts, accelerating progress, and helping bp perform at its best. We are moving firmly towards a simpler, stronger, more valuable BP."