Meg O’Neill of Australia’s Woodside Energy will lead the British energy giant, replacing Murray Auchincloss, who will exit after less than two years in the role.

News of management changes at BP were met with surprise on Thursday, with analysts noting Murray Auchincloss’ decision to step down as chief executive signaled a push for more radical change at the supermajor. The news, released late on Wednesday, brings an end to Auchincloss’ reign at the supermajor, just two years after he assumed the top job.

Ousted BP boss Murray Auchincloss clashed repeatedly with chair Albert Manifold in the weeks leading up to his abrupt departure, with the pair at loggerheads over whether to change strategy for the third time in as many years.

British energy giant BP, which this year shelved targets on reducing carbon emissions, has appointed industry veteran Meg O'Neill to be chief executive from April, replacing Murray Auchincloss who stepped down Thursday.