Bernard Looney: The Visionary Leader Transforming Energy, AI, and Sustainability
Bernard Looney is a prominent Irish business leader, best known for his role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BP from 2020 to 2023. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Looney has evolved from a drilling engineer to a top executive, steering one of the world’s largest energy companies during a critical period of transformation. Today, he is shaping the future at the intersection of energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainability through his involvement with innovative ventures such as ExpectAI, XRG, and Prometheus Hyperscale.
This article explores Bernard Looney’s journey, his educational background, career milestones, current roles, and net worth, offering an insightful look into one of the energy sector’s most influential figures.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised on a small dairy farm near Kenmare in County Kerry, Ireland, Bernard Looney’s upbringing was rooted in rural simplicity and hard work. Despite humble beginnings, he was the first in his family to attend university. In 1991, he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree with honours in electrical engineering from University College Dublin.
Driven by a desire to deepen his leadership skills, Looney later attended the prestigious Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he earned a Master of Science in management in 2005. This combination of technical and managerial education provided the foundation for his rapid ascent in the energy industry.
Bernard Looney’s Career at BP
From Drilling Engineer to CEO
Bernard Looney joined BP immediately after graduating from University College Dublin, embarking on a remarkable 32-year journey with the company. He started his career as a drilling engineer in the North Sea, gaining hands-on experience in some of the most challenging environments. His early work also took him to Vietnam and the United States, broadening his operational expertise.
Over the years, Looney held a variety of leadership roles, including managing BP’s business in the North Sea and leading the Global Wells and Projects teams. In 2016, he was appointed CEO of BP’s Upstream division, overseeing exploration and production activities worldwide.
In February 2020, Looney succeeded Bob Dudley as BP’s CEO, becoming the first Irish national to lead the oil and gas giant. His tenure as CEO was marked by bold initiatives aimed at repositioning BP as a leader in the global energy transition.
Leadership Vision and Strategic Shift
As CEO, Looney announced ambitious plans to reduce BP’s oil and gas production by 40% by 2030, aligning the company’s strategy with global efforts to combat climate change. He championed investment in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Looney’s leadership embraced sustainability and innovation, pushing BP to diversify its portfolio and prepare for a low-carbon future. His vision sought to balance the company’s legacy operations with emerging technologies and markets.
Post-BP Ventures and Current Roles
Following his resignation from BP in September 2023, Bernard Looney has redirected his efforts toward exciting new challenges at the nexus of energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.
Chairman of ExpectAI
Since March 2025, Looney has served as Chairman of ExpectAI, a company dedicated to harnessing AI technology to transform industries. ExpectAI focuses on developing AI solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and smarter decision-making, reflecting Looney’s commitment to innovation.
Board Member at XRG
Looney joined XRG as a board member in December 2024. XRG is an investment vehicle created by Adnoc, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil company, aimed at diversifying investments beyond hydrocarbons and supporting sustainable energy projects. His strategic insights are valuable in guiding XRG’s efforts to expand its impact in the evolving energy landscape.
Chairman of Prometheus Hyperscale
In November 2024, Bernard Looney was appointed Chairman of Prometheus Hyperscale, a US-based data centre startup. Prometheus Hyperscale is embarking on a $10 billion project to build one of the largest data centre facilities in Wyoming, designed to support the increasing global demand for AI infrastructure.
Strategic Advisor at Cognite
Since April 2024, Looney has also been a strategic advisor to Cognite, a technology company specialising in industrial AI and data management. His expertise helps Cognite develop cutting-edge tools for digital transformation in heavy industries such as energy, manufacturing, and utilities.
Bernard Looney’s Net Worth
Bernard Looney’s estimated net worth as of 2025 ranges between $40 million and $46 million. This wealth reflects his long-standing career with BP, where he earned substantial compensation as an executive, as well as his ongoing roles in various strategic and leadership positions across the energy and technology sectors.
His financial success is underpinned by years of dedication, industry knowledge, and visionary leadership during a transformative period in global energy markets.
Personal Insights and Philosophy
Looney is known for blending technical expertise with a forward-thinking mindset. Growing up on a farm instilled values of perseverance and humility, while his global work experience exposed him to diverse cultures and complex operational challenges.
He embraces the idea that the energy sector must evolve through sustainability and innovation, recognising AI and digital technologies as key drivers of the future. Looney’s post-BP focus on AI and data infrastructure demonstrates his belief in leveraging technology to solve pressing global issues such as climate change.
Conclusion
Bernard Looney’s career trajectory is a compelling story of growth, leadership, and transformation. From a young engineer on an Irish farm to a global energy CEO and now a visionary leader in AI and sustainability, Looney exemplifies adaptability and strategic foresight.
His contributions to BP’s transition strategy, combined with his current roles at ExpectAI, XRG, Prometheus Hyperscale, and Cognite, position him at the forefront of the new energy and technology paradigm. As the world grapples with environmental challenges and technological disruption, leaders like Bernard Looney are crucial in shaping a sustainable and intelligent future.
