BP has promoted former Pentagon public affairs hand Geoff Morrell to a new post overseeing its consolidated U.S. communications, government and PA as the energy giant continues the long road back from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Morrell, a former journalist, joined the energy giant in 2011 – a year into its post-Deepwater Horizon PR offensive -- exiting the Pentagon press secretary post with former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
BP has consolidated three divisions -- U.S. communications, which Morrell previously headed, government/PA, and federal/international affairs into a single unit dubbed U.S. communications and external affairs. BP America chairman and president John Minge said Morrell's team will ensure that the company's message is delivered with "absolute clarity" on a daily basis.
The company last month sued the U.S. government over a ban on winning new drilling contracts and is fighting the $20B settlement deal over alleged fraudulent claims.
"As we continue to address the political and legal challenges we face in the United States, we have consistently conveyed BP's commitment to America and the contributions we make to the nation's economy and energy security."
Morrell was a White House correspondent for ABC News before moving the Pentagon in 2007.
Peter Henshaw is group of head of communications, based in the company's U.K. headquarters.
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