BP Appoints David Hager to Board Amid Strategic Shift

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BP has appointed David Hager, a veteran of the oil and gas industry, to its board as a non-executive director, effective June 2, 2025. Hager’s appointment arrives at a crucial moment for BP, which is recalibrating its approach to energy transition by reaffirming its commitment to traditional oil and gas operations. The decision to bring Hager onboard signals BP’s intention to balance climate-conscious strategies with shareholder demands for profitability and operational stability.

David Hager’s professional background strengthens BP’s upstream capabilities

David Hager brings more than four decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. He is best known for his leadership at Devon Energy, where he served as president and CEO, guiding the company through a turbulent market while maintaining a focus on efficient upstream operations. Prior to his tenure at Devon, Hager held executive positions at Kerr-McGee and other firms known for their exploration and production assets.

His technical and managerial background gives him an edge in navigating the operational complexities of large-scale oil projects. Hager is also a petroleum engineer by training, adding a layer of scientific and technical credibility to the board.

This move also reinforces BP’s broader governance objectives. Bringing in a non-executive director with direct experience in energy operations ensures that strategic decisions are informed by industry-grounded judgment. In a climate where energy companies are balancing transition goals with traditional energy output, experienced leadership is crucial.

While the company has made strong commitments to reducing emissions and investing in renewables, it is also signaling that core competencies in oil and gas will remain central to its value proposition. As energy demand continues to rise globally, BP appears to be betting that a steady hand in upstream operations will be essential to its competitiveness.

Sources:

• Offshore Technology