BP announces the departure of Mr. Hayward as CEO so we don’t have to hear him make unhelpful comments. Mr. Hayward as BP CEO clearly became a PR liability after the spill as some of his comments in the press seemed inconsiderate. He lacked the leadership skills to handle the crisis and lacked the media skills necessary to overcome the BP backlash after the spill. If BP wanted to attempt to steer the publicity more positively they could have fired Hayward from the beginning of the spill. Also noted in the link above is news of another oil spill, this one at a lake north of Barataria Bay.
Mr. Hayward’s remark about being dismissed from his post: “Life isn’t fair. BP cannot move on in the U.S. with me as its leader.”
What isn’t fair is the unwarranted damage to the ecosystem – you know, the place where people, wildlife and sea creatures live. If you can only lead when times are good you’re not a remarkable leader – you’re just the guy at the top of the pyramid heap.
Sometimes when you’re at the top the people below you stop telling you you’re a jerk or ill-equipped to handle the media… but the press and media outlets aren’t working for you – they’ve got a story to report.
Mr. Hayward wasn’t thrilled with my cartoons, but next time around get some media training.
*** Update: He’s certainly not going to like this video of the cartoons.
