BP CEO John Browne Resigns

It was stated, "BP PLC's Chief Executive John Browne resigned Tuesday, hours after a judge allowed a newspaper to publish allegations from a former boyfriend that the executive misused company resources. Browne, who had already moved up his departure by more than a year after a deadly refinery blast in Texas and a giant oil spill in Alaska, denied any improper conduct relating to BP. But he acknowledged that he had lied to a judge about how he met his former partner, with whom he had a four-year relationship. "The Mail on Sunday" newspaper that had sought to publish the claims, immediately called for Browne to be prosecuted for perjury. Browne said he regretted the lie, saying he was in shock at his private life being exposed, and was stepping down voluntarily 'to avoid unnecessary embarrassment and distraction to the company.'"

Article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSN0915060420070210
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070501/ap_on_bi_ge/britain_bp_ceo

bp homepage: http://www.bp.com
Concerning the media coverage: http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7032766

When going to the bp homepage, I had to do a search for "ceo brown resignation" to find any information about the situation. They are trying to barry it under already it seems, as if they were ashamed of the matter, instead of tackling it head on.

In the article, posted on the bp homepage, they are quick to mention that the board of BP p.l.c. appointed his designated successor, Dr Tony Hayward, as the new CEO with immediate effect as to make the matter a celebration.

They used quotes from Browne that were also used in the news media articles, as well as mentioned the allegations of relating to the limited use by Jeff Chevalier of BP computer and staff resources in a brief statement.

The company goes on to states, "John has made it clear to the BP Board that he has decided to step down with immediate effect because he does not want this public focus on his private life to detract from the paramount task of running the BP group."

The company also made a note to the editors, as well as posted a personal statement from Lord Browne.

The company has a light, trying to stay calm, tone. It seems like they are trying to come across as the situation being handled well and no panic. They state their deepest regret in the loss of Lord Browne as CEO to the company. The bp company also tried to make Browne look innocent through the statement by stating his side more and by quoting Browne, "The allegations are full of misleading and erroneous claims. I deny categorically any allegations of improper conduct relating to BP. The company has confirmed today that it has found no such wrongdoing."

Their statement was well-informed and well-written. Could have used more resonses to the media.