British oil giant British Petroleum (BP) has appointed Murray Auchincloss as permanent CEO after he took on the role on an interim basis following the surprise resignation of Bernard Looney.
"BP announced today that the board has appointed Murray Auchincloss as CEO with immediate effect," the group said in a statement.
Former finance chief Auchincloss took over in September after former CEO Looney unexpectedly resigned for failing to disclose past links to colleagues.
"The BP board undertook a thorough and highly competitive process. The board fully agrees that Murray is the best candidate and the right leader for BP," chairman Helge Lund said.
The announcement comes ahead of the annual results due to be presented on 6 February.
In October, the oil giant revealed that it had turned a net profit in the third quarter after a year earlier large accounting charges had pushed it into the red.
Profit after tax totalled $4.9 billion in the three months to September.
Auchincloss added that he was "confident" in the "significant value we can create" at BP.
"Now, more than ever, we need to focus on execution, operating safely and efficiently, executing with discipline and always focusing on returns," he added.
"This is how we will deliver real benefits for our customers and other stakeholders and continue to grow long-term value for BP shareholders". /BGNES
