WSJ reports that BP's ousted Chairman Manifold had a clash with the director over deal negotiations.
The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that BP's formerly ousted chairman Albert Manifold had a disagreement with a fellow director, Simon Henry, earlier this year, over the handling of sensitive discussions related to a possible deal.
BP dismissed?Manifold Tuesday and expressed serious concern about his 'governance standards and oversight, and conduct. Manifold claimed he had been?removed with no warning' and denied the description of his conduct.
The Journal reported that Manifold accused Henry privately of overstepping his authority and of excluding other directors from communication, but Henry denied mishandling any talks, arguing Manifold mischaracterized conversations.
A spokesperson for Manifold denied that he made such accusations?about Henry.
Manifold’s?spokesperson? said that "any assertions that Mr Henry accused him of exceeding his authority or excluding fellow board members from communication are false."
Henry, who joined BP September, was one of those who left his board as 'Manifold shrank.
The Journal reported that tensions also existed between Manifold's then-CEO, Murray?Auchincloss and Manifold last year.
BP?refused to comment?, while Henry and Auchincloss were unable to be reached for comment. Carlos Mendez reported from Mexico City and Rosalba o'Brien edited the story.
(source: Reuters)
