John Browne has resigned as chief executive of BP Plc, London, (London: BP; NYSE: BP) following the release of a news article that concerns his private life. Tony Hayward has been named CEO. He was chief executive of E&P and was set to take the position Aug. 1 prior to Browne's early resignation. Due to Browne's decision to leave his position early, he forfeits his right to a bonus of up to 1.3 times his annual salary, worth in total more than US$7 million.