As expected, Robert Dudley will take over for embattled BP CEO Tony Hayward starting Oct. 1, The Washington Post reports. The company also announced today that
“„The board said Tuesday that BP had taken a $32.2 billion pre-tax charge in the second quarter to cover the cost of the April 20 spill, including $20 billion it pledged to set aside in an escrow account. The petroleum company faces unquantifiable liabilities in lawsuits from fishermen, holiday hotel owners and tourism businesses across the Gulf Coast.
“„The choice of the even-keeled Dudley represents a fresh start for BP, which has seen its reputation badly soiled in the aftermath of the rig explosion and spill.
“„Dudley grew up in Hattiesburg, Miss., and later spent eight years working in Russia, gaining experience and knowledge that could be key in running a company that relies largely on oil produced in the United States and Russia.