Bob Dudley
Born 1955 · Age 70
American-born businessman, long-time oil & gas executive; group chief executive of BP (2010–2020); former president & CEO of TNK-BP; chair of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI).
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Queens, New York
Robert Warren Dudley is born on a U.S. naval base in Queens, New York.
Graduated Hinsdale Central High School
Completed secondary education at Hinsdale Central High School (suburban Chicago).
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois
Graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering; member of Phi Kappa Psi and served as District 3 Archon.
Master of International Management (MIM), Thunderbird
Completed a MIM at the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University). (Approximate year based on subsequent MBA in 1979.)
MBA, Southern Methodist University
Graduated with an MBA (SMU) and joined Amoco the same year.
Joined Amoco (start of oil industry career)
Started career at Amoco (a BP heritage company). First day included protests over oil/gas prices.
Assignment to Aberdeen, Scotland
Accepted engineering assignment in Aberdeen — core hub for offshore engineering and North Sea activity.
Amoco corporate development role in Moscow
Worked in corporate development in Russia for Amoco (and predecessor operations) from 1994 to 1997.
BP acquires Amoco; becomes executive assistant to BP CEO
Following the BP–Amoco merger, Dudley became executive assistant to BP CEO John Browne and later led BP's renewables business.
Takes on BP roles in London after merger
After the BP/Amoco merger, Dudley moved to BP in London and assumed broader roles (strategy, renewables leadership).
TNK-BP JV valued and structured ($6bn deal mention)
The TNK-BP partnership (BP entering partnership with AAR) referenced as a $6 billion deal at the time of formation.
Appointed President & CEO of TNK-BP (co-venture)
When BP entered a JV with Russian billionaires (AAR) to form TNK-BP, Dudley was appointed president and CEO.
TNK-BP output increases under Dudley
Under Dudley, TNK-BP increased oil output by about one third to roughly 1.6 million barrels per day.
Visa not renewed — leaves Russia suddenly
In June 2008 Dudley left Russia hurriedly when his visa was not renewed amid escalating disputes with AAR and alleged harassment.
Resigned as TNK-BP CEO
After attempting to run TNK-BP remotely for several months from outside Russia, Dudley resigned (Dec 2008).
BP press release: Robert Dudley to join BP board
BP issued a press release (18 Feb 2009) that Dudley would join the BP board; he rejoined BP after leaving Russia.
Appointed Managing Director of BP (oversight of Americas & Asia)
On 6 April 2009 Dudley became a managing director of BP, with oversight of activities in the Americas and Asia.
Public engagements: Biloxi and Southern Governors' Association
Spoke publicly in Biloxi (July 2010) and at the Southern Governors' Association (Aug 2010) while heading Gulf response and during the transition to CEO.
Introduced 'Value over volume' strategy and major divestment programme
After taking the CEO role Dudley embarked on a strategic divestment program to simplify BP, cutting upstream installations and wells while keeping most reserves.
Assigned head of Gulf Coast Restoration Organization (Deepwater Horizon)
In June 2010 Dudley was assigned to lead BP's Gulf Coast Restoration Organization responding to the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Appointed President & CEO of Gulf Coast Restoration Organization (press release)
BP press release (23 June 2010) named Dudley president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Restoration Organization.
Announced as successor to Tony Hayward as BP group CEO
BP announced Dudley would succeed Tony Hayward as group chief executive, effective 1 October 2010; he was also appointed to the BP board.
Took office as Group Chief Executive of BP
Dudley became BP's group chief executive and board director, inheriting responsibility for response, safety reforms and financial recovery.
Brokers TNK-BP exit deal with Rosneft (resolution of Russia dispute)
Dudley helped broker the sale of BP’s TNK-BP interests to Rosneft, resolving long-running Russia tensions and returning BP to a constructive relationship (BP received cash and a 19.75% stake in Rosneft as part of wider arrangements).
WikiLeaks reports Dudley suspected Igor Sechin of 'black' plot
Wikileaks cables revealed Dudley suspected Rosneft's Igor Sechin orchestrated actions against him in Russia.
Offered seat on Rosneft board (and BP-Rosneft arrangements)
In March 2013 Dudley was offered (and served on) a seat on the Rosneft board as part of the TNK-BP sale/arrangement.
Oil price collapse begins (industry downturn)
From mid-2014 oil prices fell sharply (from ~$115/bbl to $27 by Jan 2016), creating a sector-wide downturn that Dudley led BP through via capital discipline and cuts.
Listed as Conservative Party donor
Included in reporting (2015) as a donor to the UK Conservative Party.
Shareholder revolt over 2015 pay package
In 2016 shareholders revolted against Dudley's 2015 pay and benefits package; 59% voted against the package valued at $19.6 million.
BP to cut Dudley's pay by $8 million after revolt
In April 2017 BP announced a reduction in Dudley's pay by approximately $8 million following shareholder protest and governance changes.
Receives 2018 Petroleum Executive of the Year award
Dudley received a Petroleum Executive of the Year award at a gala in London, recognizing leadership in the industry.
Chaired OGCI conference in London
Served as chair at the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) conference; OGCI is an industry-led group Dudley helped lead on climate initiatives.
BP safety milestone (BP's safest year on like-for-like basis)
BP recorded its safest-ever year on a like-for-like basis in Dudley's final year as CEO, reflecting safety culture changes he instituted.
BP invested close to $1 billion in low carbon activities
In 2019 BP invested nearly $1B in low-carbon businesses (solar, biofuels, EV charging) as part of energy-transition strategy under Dudley's leadership.
Announced intention to retire; successor named
BP announced on 4 October 2019 that Bob Dudley would step down and be succeeded by Bernard Looney; transition planned for 2020.
Finalized transition from BP CEO (succeeded by Bernard Looney)
Dudley's successor Bernard Looney took the reins as BP Group Chief Executive in 2020, marking the end of Dudley's decade-long tenure.
BP 'Farewell' and formal departure in 2020
BP published farewell content (30 Jan 2020) as Dudley prepared to retire; he left the CEO role in 2020 and was succeeded by Bernard Looney.
Serves on multiple corporate and advisory boards (post-retirement)
Post-retirement roles listed by sources include directorships at LyondellBasell and Freeport-McMoRan, chairing Accenture's Global Energy Board, and serving on Bahrain's Energy Advisory Board (dates vary; appointments over 2020–2022).
Dual US-UK citizenship noted
Bob Dudley holds dual American and British citizenship (reported in alumni and BP profiles).
Launched Dudley Solar Developments, LLC
In May 2021 Dudley launched Dudley Solar Developments, LLC, pursuing solar project development.
Joined Axio Global as Chairman
In July 2021 Dudley was appointed chairman of Axio, a cyber risk quantification company.
Received Distinguished Alumni Award (University of Illinois CHBE)
In 2022 Bob Dudley received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Illinois Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.
Left Rosneft board amid Russia invasion of Ukraine
Dudley departed the board of Rosneft in February 2022 amid geopolitical developments around the Russian invasion of Ukraine; BP also moved to exit its stake.
Axio Series B financing ($23M) — Dudley part of investor consortium
Axio raised a $23 million Series B round (lead: Temasek's ISTARI); Dudley was part of the investor consortium aligned with his role as chairman.
Appointed to board of 8 Rivers Capital
Announced appointment to the board of 8 Rivers Capital (8 Rivers focuses on advanced energy, decarbonization technologies).
Key Achievement Ages
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