From 2007:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003688550_webbpceo01.htmlBP CEO resigns after judge clears way for reporting on his private life
Bp chief Executive John Browne resigned today, hours after a judge lifted a legal injunction preventing a newspaper from publishing details...
By D'Arcy Doran
The Associated Press
LONDON — BP Chief Executive John Browne resigned today, hours after a judge lifted a legal injunction preventing a newspaper from publishing details of his private life and allegations that he misused company resources.
The board named Tony Hayward, the head of exploration and production, as the new CEO effective immediately, BP said. Hayward, who had already been set to take over on Aug. 1, will have to repair BP's reputation after several high-profile operational and regulatory mishaps tarnished its image.
Browne, 59, had been fighting since January to keep the Mail on Sunday newspaper from publishing details from an interview with a man with whom he had a relationship. BP said the newspaper had also sought to report allegations that Browne misused company resources — claims it said an internal investigation determined were unfounded.
In a statement, Browne said he was stepping down voluntarily "to avoid unnecessary embarrassment and distraction to the company."
"For the past 41 years of my career at BP I have kept my private life separate from my business life," he said.
snip
Browne acknowledged in the statement that he had lied to a judge about how he met Jeff Chevalier, with whom he said he had a four-year relationship.
"My initial witness statements, however, contained an untruthful account about how I first met Jeff. This account, prompted by my embarrassment and shock at the revelations, is a matter of deep regret."
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Seems like the present BP CEO has more compelling reasons to resign than the one who resigned in 2007!!! :grr: