BP has confirmed the departure of its deputy chief executive Carol Howle, marking yet another senior exit at the troubled oil major.
The FTSE 100 giant said Howle had “elected to retire” just three months into her role, ending a 26-year career with the company.
Kerry Dryburgh, the company’s HR vice president, is also leaving after 16 years, compounding the sense of instability at the top of the business.
The departures arrive during an extraordinary period of upheaval at BP, with chief executive Meg O’Neill leading a major turnaround effort at the £74bn firm.
Former chairman Albert Manifold was dismissed by the board last month, less than a year into his role, over what directors described as “serious concerns” about his behaviour.
Mr Manifold has disputed the allegations made against him, leaving the matter unresolved in the public eye.
In a statement, Ms O’Neill said: “I want to thank Carol and Kerry for their outstanding commitment and contribution to BP and wish them every success for the future.”
Ms O’Neill added: “With her departure I have chosen not to replace the deputy chief executive role,” citing efforts to streamline the company’s organisational model.
Dame Amanda Blanc, the senior independent director who also leads insurer Aviva, is currently overseeing the search for a new chairman to replace Mr Manifold.
William Lin, a long-serving BP executive who headed the company’s gas and low-carbon business, was also confirmed as leaving earlier this month.
Company secretary Ben Mathews is currently on medical leave for stress, adding further weight to concerns about the stability of BP’s senior leadership.
Shares in BP fell by 1pc as news of the latest leadership changes broke on Tuesday, reflecting investor unease over the ongoing turmoil.
BP insisted it had always intended Ms Howle’s role to be temporary, saying she now planned to travel following her departure from the business.
However, no such qualification was mentioned when she was originally appointed, with the company announcing at the time that its strategy and sustainability team would report to her.
Ms O’Neill had said on Howle’s appointment: “I’m looking forward to working closely with her to deliver a simpler, stronger, more valuable BP to maximise value for our shareholders.”
The Telegraph had previously reported in May that investors were calling for board-level changes over the handling of the situation surrounding Mr Manifold’s dismissal.