Lord Browne, BP's chief executive, will have a role but not the final say in choosing the company's new chief operating officer, who will be expected to succeed him as the company's chief executive at the end of 2008.

The appointment process for the new chief executive is already under way, with the five leading contenders being interviewed, setting out their visions of the future of the company, and being assessed by Anna Mann, the headhunter called in to assist with the selection.