BP will have new leader. Tony Hayward is stepping down and on October 1st, Bob Dudley will be the BP' s chief executive.

The change of BP CEO was expectable and also predictable. However, the change is not only realistic, but there is a part of symbolism, too. BP will lead for the first time American. The London-based company' s survival in the United States, where it is the largest oil and gas producer, is facing the shattered reputation among the US population. The reason is more than obvious - oil spill - the worst environmental catastrophe in the US history, with the biggest question mark - when the tragedy will be over?!

But replacing Tony Hayward, is, of course, also a strategic move. It is believed that change on the top will be perceived also as the change on the bottom that the change on the top will help to win the lost credibility back and fulfill the slogan - no more oil spill ever.

Then there is also other reason, why Tony Hayward created nightmares for many Americans, especially for the residents of the Gulf Coast. One of the "bad dreams" was the moment when the victims of oil spill realized that the BP CEO was on sailing trip, yacht race on the Isle of Wight, while they are suffering, loosing their livelihood because of the contaminated water...these are the small puzzle peaces, which, together with the worst oil disaster in the US creates the unpopular image, with the "cherry" at the top that the Tony Hayward will not leave with empty hands, but with a pension worth nearly $17 million in his 28 years of service.

Then there is no doubt that the BP's reputation in the US, which is the home to about 40 percent of its shareholders, is plummeting. However, not only reputation, but also the earnings are plummeting. BP reported a second-quarter net loss of $17.2 billion.

Dagmar Benesova

Photo: ISIFA