Bernard Looney breaks silence since BP exit as he takes on new role with AI start-up
Nearly 18 months after his controversial exit from oil giant BP, former chief executive Bernard Looney has been appointed chairman of ExpertAI, a sustainability-focused AI startup based in London.
The company is geared towards helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) lower emissions by facilitating easier access to local green suppliers and subsidies, as reported by City AM.
Following the “serious misconduct” incident that led to his dismissal from BP for not disclosing past relationships with colleagues, Looney will now work alongside Dr Anand Verma, chief executive of ExpertAI, to propel the firm’s UK growth.
This role marks Looney’s second venture into the AI industry since leaving BP; he joined Prometeus Hyperscale’s board in the US last November.
His move into sustainable technology is a pointed deviation from BP’s recent direction. Just last week, BP yielded to Elliott Management’s activist investor pressure to abandon renewable energy projects in favour of increasing oil and gas output, mirroring similar pullbacks from climate commitments by Shell and Equinor.
On Tuesday, Looney highlighted ExpertAI’s mission in a statement, saying: “It helps them grasp opportunities to grow their business and cut costs, all while reducing emissions. Exactly what they need, now more than ever.”
He elaborated: “The energy transition must make economic sense if it is to succeed. This applies to businesses making investment decisions, shareholders directing capital, and customers choosing where to spend their money.”
“That’s why I said yes when Dr. Anand Verma-ExpectAI’s Founder and CEO-asked me to take on the role of Chairman. ExpectAI’s mission is clear: Higher Profits, Lower Emissions.”
ExpectAI’s Founder and CEO, Dr Anand Verma, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome Bernard as our Chairman. His deep global expertise and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our goals.”
Dr Verma further remarked, “Bernard and I share a common vision: using AI to help the world’s 330m SMBs scale profitably and sustainably. ”.
He also critiqued current approaches, saying, “Climate solutions today are broken. At ExpectAI, we reject the false binary between mission and profitability.
Our technology proves that what’s good for business is also good for the world – sustainability and success should go hand in hand.”