BP CEO Tony Hayward: In His Own Words

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The task of addressing BP's safety record now moves to Mr Dudley, who takes over on 1 October. His brief will be to take the company forward: selling off $30bn-worth of assets to fund compensation claims, dealing with the fall-out from official investigations into the disaster and rehabilitating BP's deeply tarnished image in the US.

Carl-Henric Svanberg, the BP chairman, yesterday paid tribute to the out-going boss. "[Tony Hayward] has done a good job at BP all through almost 30 years and also as chief executive." Mr Svanberg also denied that Mr Dudley's US nationality was the deciding factor in his appointment, describing him as a well-travelled "international man" after 30 years in the oil industry. Mr Dudley added his voice to the commendations of Mr Hayward's leadership. "I have the greatest admiration for Tony Hayward – for what he has done as chief executive, how he has transformed the company and his unwavering dedication to ensure BP met it commitments to the people of the US Gulf coast," he said.

With Greenpeace activists closing down petrol stations across London in protest at BP's environmental record, he also took the opportunity to stress his awareness of the challenges ahead. "These kinds of changes don't happen overnight...but now we've had this incident we need to accelerate those changes," he said. But the final word was for Mr Hayward. "Whether it is fair or not is not the point," he said of his departure. "The fact is that life isn't fair. We all know that."

The resignation: 'I feel responsible – regardless of where blame lies'

Hayward's statement:

"The Gulf of Mexico explosion was a terrible tragedy for which – as the man in charge of BP when it happened – I will always feel a deep responsibility, regardless of where blame is ultimately found to lie.

"From day one I decided that I would personally lead BP's efforts to stem the leak and contain the damage, a logistical operation unprecedented in scale and cost. We have now capped the oil flow and we are doing everything within our power to clean up the spill and to make restitution to everyone with legitimate claims.

"I would like to thank all of the BP people involved in the response and the many thousands of others along the Gulf Coast who have joined us in our efforts.

"I believe the decision I have reached with the board to step down is consistent with the responsibility BP has shown throughout these terrible events. BP will be a changed company as a result of Macondo and it is right that it should embark on its next phase under new leadership.

"I will be working closely with Bob Dudley over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. It has been a privilege to serve BP for nearly 30 years and to lead it for the last three. I am sad to leave so many fine colleagues and friends who have helped this great company to achieve so much over the years. I am sorry that achievement has been overshadowed by the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico."

Provided by The Independent—from London, for Independent minds

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