BP Stock Forecast 2026: CEO Meg O’Neill, Castrol Sale Talks, and the Biggest Catalysts for BP PLC Shares (Dec. 20, 2025)
BP named Meg O’Neill, CEO of Woodside and ex-Exxon executive, as its next chief after Murray Auchincloss’s exit, marking BP’s first external CEO hire in over a century. BP’s U.S. shares closed Friday up 1.9% at $33.94 on heavy volume. The move comes amid renewed merger speculation, a $20 billion asset sale plan, and pressure from lower oil prices. Carol Howle will serve as interim CEO.