BP has brought together its Convenience Retail, Logistics and Fuels business in the UK and appointed Neale Smither to

run the lot as its new UK Supply and Marketing manager. He takes over on September 1.

Smither succeeds Janet Ashdown, who is retiring after 29 years at the company. BP’s UK logistics manager Nigel Wardle is also retiring at the same time.

Smither has spent his career in BP’s Refining and Marketing division and has worked in South Africa, China, Vietnam and the UK in a number of strategic and operational roles.

JB Renard, BP’s group vice president for European region, thanked Janet for her "huge contribution to BP’s businesses over many years".

Smithers said: "I look forward to building on the excellent progress made by Janet and Nigel in building a distinctive position for BP’s fuels business in the UK, and turning that into a sustainable, winning position."