BP puts Bob Dudley in Gulf clean-up role

LONDON: BP put Mississippi native Bob Dudley in charge of handling the Gulf of Mexico oil spill today, an effort to clean up its image and take the spotlight off chief executive Tony Hayward, the Englishman whose gaffes have infuriated Americans.

BP PLC confirmed that Dudley, who grew up in Hattiesburg, Miss, an easy drive from the coast, is now the point man in the mission to stop the oil gusher and deal with the economic damage it has caused.

Dudley, who had led BP's operations in the Americas and Asia, is no stranger to tough situations, having protected his company's interests in rough dealing in Russia even after he was barred from the country.

The 54-year-old spent two decades climbing the ranks at Amoco Corp, which merged with BP, and lost out to Hayward on the CEO's slot three years ago.

Perhaps most importantly, he is a fresh face for the oil company as it attempts to fix the spill and protect its future. Hayward shocked Gulf residents last month when he said "I'd like my life back" and weeks later went yachting.

Dudley was appointed president and chief executive of the newly created Gulf Coast Restoration Organisation, effective immediately, and will report to Hayward.