Case Study

British Petroleum (B): The Deepwater Horizon explosion

3 pages
May 2011
Reference: IMD-3-2181

The B-case highlights some of the changes Hayward had implemented since becoming CEO in 2007. After Hayward announced that BP’s top strategic priorities for 2010 were ongoing cost cutting, production growth and alternative energy, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, triggering the largest oil spill in history. As the crisis unfolded, BP and Hayward made a number of missteps that angered the residents of the Gulf, environmental groups and politicians, including President Obama.

Learning Objective

Communicating during a crisis, preparing a crisis message strategy.

Keywords
Strategy, Leadership, Crisis Management, General Management
Settings
BP, Materials, Oil and Gas, Energy
2007-2010
Type
Published Sources
Copyright
© 2011
Available Languages
English
Related material
Teaching note
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This case study is part of a series
  • British Petroleum (A): Defining a strategic vision
  • British Petroleum (B): The Deepwater Horizon explosion
  • British Petroleum (C): Economic and environmental sustainability?
This case study is part of a series
  • British Petroleum (A): Defining a strategic vision
  • British Petroleum (B): The Deepwater Horizon explosion
  • British Petroleum (C): Economic and environmental sustainability?
Discover our latest research
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British Petroleum (A): Defining a strategic vision
By Paul Strebel and Brian Rogers
Case reference: IMD-3-2180 ©2011
Summary
The A-case begins with Tony Hayward’s appointment as CEO of BP. Hayward was immediately faced with the challenge of convincing the board that he co...
Reference IMD-3-2180
Copyright ©2011
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization BP
Industry Materials, Oil and Gas;Energy
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

British Petroleum (B): The Deepwater Horizon explosion
By Paul Strebel and Brian Rogers
Case reference: IMD-3-2181 ©2011
Summary
The B-case highlights some of the changes Hayward had implemented since becoming CEO in 2007. After Hayward announced that BP’s top strategic prior...
Reference IMD-3-2181
Copyright ©2011
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization BP
Industry Materials, Oil and Gas;Energy
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

British Petroleum (C): Economic and environmental sustainability?
By Paul Strebel and Brian Rogers
Case reference: IMD-3-2182 ©2011
Summary
The C-case begins with BP announcing that Hayward is stepping down as CEO of BP to be succeeded by Bob Dudley. Shortly thereafter, Dudley announced...
Reference IMD-3-2182
Copyright ©2011
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization BP
Industry Materials, Oil and Gas;Energy
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications