Ex-Statoil, BG Boss to Chair BP

Following a thorough selection process, Helge Lund will succeed Carl-Henric Svanberg as BP chairman, joining its board as chairman-designate and a non-executive director on September 1, the UK major said April 26.

He will be appointed chairman on January 1 and have a base in London. His previous positions include CEO of Norwegian Statoil (2004-2014) and a brief tenure in the same job at BG from 2015 until its acquisition by Anglo-Dutch Shell early the following year.

Lund, who is also chairman of Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, will stand down with immediate effect from his directorship at Schlumberger, the global oil service group.

Lund, 55, said: "BP is a great company. Now as a non-executive, it is a huge privilege for me to be asked to lead an experienced and diverse board. BP has come successfully through a challenging period under the strong and committed leadership of Carl-Henric and Bob [Dudley, the CEO]. I am looking forward to working with Bob and his team as they address the changing energy landscape."

BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg, who was at the helm at the time of the Macondo oil well disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, said: "I am delighted that Helge Lund is to be BP's next chairman. Our industry is changing faster than ever as the world focuses on meeting the dual challenge of more energy with fewer emissions. Helge has a track record of leadership in addressing these issues, characterised by his open-minded and forward-looking approach. Together with his deep industry knowledge and global business experience, he has all the skills necessary to lead the board today and into the future."

Dudley said: "Carl-Henric has steadily led our board through BP's darkest days and into this period of growth and modernisation. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his strong support and clear vision over the past nine years."

Statoil CEO from 2004 to 2014 and BP chairman-designate Helge Lund (Photo credit: Statoil/Ole Jørgen Bratland);  Credit for the banner photo is Novo Nordisk