BP's Hayward Is Out, U.S. Government Official Claims

(NewsCore) - Tony Hayward’s embattled reign as BP's chief executive seemed all but over late Sunday as speculation he would lose his post was supported by a claim from a U.S. government official saying his days at the helm were over, Fox News Channel reported.

The gaffe-prone official, who spoke to Fox on the condition of anonymity, said that BP had told the U.S. government that Hayward was to leave his post Monday.

The official told Fox there would be "leadership changes" at the firm. Sky News reported that Hayward is currently negotiating his exit package.

Hayward has been widely criticized in the U.S. over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. An official announcement about his future is expected within 24 hours from BP.

In anticipation of the ouster, one U.S. lawmaker even issued a statement Sunday welcoming his exit.

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) said: "While it's now happy sailing for Tony Hayward, rough conditions will persist in the Gulf of Mexico for years to come because of his failed leadership.

"The new leaders of BP will have an uphill climb to correct the legacy left by Hayward, indelibly inked by the disaster in the Gulf.”

BP is expected to name Bob Dudley, managing director and company board member who has oversight of activities in the Americas and Asia, as the company's new CEO if the board approves the negotiated departure of Hayward, The Wall Street Journal said.

The decision was "mutual," people familiar with the situation said. Hayward has been under heavy fire for his handling of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill following the April explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.

By turning to Dudley, BP would be installing an American at the helm of the British company, a crucial nuance in the company's battle to restore its reputation and credibility. Dudley grew up in Hattiesburg, Miss., and was tasked with becoming the public face of the company in the region early on in the disaster.