By Hera! A Battle at BP's Gates!
Greetings mortals! Wonder Woman here reporting live from the front lines of corporate… intrigue? Yes even I Diana of Themyscira find myself entangled in the webs of shareholder votes and oil pipelines. Apparently BP that behemoth of black gold just had its annual general meeting. And let me tell you it was less a kumbaya circle and more a clash of titans – though admittedly titans with spreadsheets.
Auchincloss the Untouchable?
First off Murray Auchincloss the CEO sailed through re election with a whopping 97% of the vote. That's practically Zeus level approval! One might think he's discovered the secret to eternal youth or perhaps more realistically eternal profits. Meanwhile Helge Lund the Chair didn't fare quite as well. Only 75.7%? Ouch! In Themysciran standards that's like showing up to a potluck without a dish – utterly scandalous! Reminds me of the time Steve Trevor tried to impress Hippolyta with store bought baklava. Let’s just say it didn’t end well.
Lund's Swan Song: Sooner Than Expected?
Now Lund announced he's stepping down in 2026. But given the lukewarm reception I suspect the Amazons of HR are already sharpening their swords—metaphorically speaking of course. Amanda Blanc bless her heart is on the hunt for a successor promising a speedy transition. Because as we all know in the corporate world time is money… and apparently shareholder patience is shorter than Steve Trevor's attention span when faced with a new gadget.
The Great Climate U Turn! A Betrayal?
Here's where it gets dicey. Remember Bernard Looney's grand plan to slash oil and gas by 40% and embrace renewables? Well Auchincloss faster than Hermes himself slammed the brakes on that eco friendly chariot. Now it's back to black gold baby! Some climate focused investors are spitting feathers and rightly so! Rathbones' Matt Crossman asks a poignant question: "Why aren't we voting on that level of (climate) ambition?" It’s like promising to build a temple to Aphrodite and then opening a… well you get the idea. Not a good look.
Lessons Learned Or Just Lip Service?
Lund claims BP has "learned from mistakes." They tried to do too much apparently. Existing businesses weren't reliable enough. Sounds like someone's been reading my autobiography. Balancing saving the world and dealing with boardroom politics is no easy feat trust me. But words are wind my friends. Only actions speak louder than the roar of Ares himself! The Legal & General called for a vote against Lund citing climate and governance concerns. It's clear: BP needs to show not just tell they're serious about their environmental impact.
The Shadow of Elliott Management
Let's not forget Elliott Management lurking in the shadows with their nearly 5% stake. They remained silent at the meeting but their presence is a reminder that even the gods are subject to market forces. Remember the truth matters. And the truth is the world needs BP to step up and be a true champion of sustainability. Or as I like to say “Embrace what makes you different even if it makes you an outsider.”
BP shareholder climate CEO Helge Lund Murray Auchincloss Elliott Management renewables oil and gas vote
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chickenliver55
BP's greenwashing is getting old. Time for real change.
Bev1
Who will be the next to replace Lund?
ap73870
Auchincloss must have some serious allies. 97% is insane!
mypoobear1946
Wonder Woman should be on BP's board! That would shake things up.
liaochong11
This is corporate drama at its finest!
D123
Big Oil should be ashamed of these tactics!
asetviral
Following the money always leads to the truth.
azz86
So much for saving the planet, eh?
6adadad
Lund's departure can't come soon enough.
motd
I wonder what Elliott Management is planning...