The former BP boss stepped down from the company he has led since 2020 and more than two decades working there, amid an investigation into allegations that he had engaged in personal relationships with colleagues that were not disclosed to the board.
The departure shocked equity markets but sources told the Guardian there was speculation about Looney's relationships at BP long before he was made chief executive. The shares ended the day down almost 3%, or more than £2bn, to value the company at £87bn.
"It has been an open secret for some time, and the BP board have known about his reputation before he was appointed as chief executive," said one senior oil industry source. "It's absolute nonsense to suggest that this came to light last year."
According to BP it was in May last year that it received and reviewed allegations from an anonymous source relating to Looney's personal relationships with colleagues.
At the time Looney disclosed "a small number of historical relationships" prior to taking up the position of chief executive and gave the board assurances about his future behaviour, the company said.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 14, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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