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Bernard Looney, head of the oil company BP, gives up his post.
Photo: DANIEL LEAL / AFP
BP CEO Bernard Looney is stepping down with immediate effect due to previous relationships with colleagues. On an interim basis, Chief Financial Officer Murray Auchincloss will take over as CEO, the oil company announced on Tuesday in London. Previously, the »Financial Times« had reported on the imminent departure.
"Looney informed the company today that he was not fully transparent in his previous statements," BP said. He had not fully disclosed relationships with colleagues. It is unclear what kind of relationships are involved and what policies Looney violated.
BP veteran Looney had driven the transformation of one of the world's largest oil companies into the age of post-fossil fuels. Recently, however, he had withdrawn some of the most ambitious targets and increased spending on oil and natural gas again. Looney was appointed head of BP in early 2020.
ktz/dpa