By Adam Whittaker
BP said its deputy chief executive, Carol Howle, plans to retire later this year, leaving new boss Meg O'Neill without a key lieutenant at a time when the energy major has been hit by management turmoil.
Howle's retirement after more than two decades at BP marks the latest departure at the top of the oil company. She was only formally appointed deputy CEO in April after serving as interim CEO since December last year, when Murray Auchincloss stepped down after less than two years at the helm of the business.
When O'Neill joined to lead BP in April, Howle agreed to support the transition as her deputy.
Howle currently also runs BP's vast trading and supply business. She will be replaced by Sam Skerry who currently serves as head of M&A at BP.
Write to Adam Whittaker at adam.whittaker@wsj.com