Lord Browne, BP's chief executive, has been as much a statesman as a businessman. In the past decade, he has carefully honed his image as the visionary figurehead of BP and ambassador of the industry. He has enjoyed cajoling sheiks, emirs and presidents, as much as cutting multi-billion-dollar deals with hard-nosed American peers.

All of the five candidates poised to replace him have spent time as Lord Browne's personal assistant and have watched the process from up close. So close that they learn, by way of corporate legend, that his favourite wine is a Montrachet and that he favours El Rey del Mundo Cuban cigars.