As the head of the company, Hayward became a lightning rod for public and political anger after the drill rig operated by BP exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in April.

CNN: BP's Hayward: Oil spill wasn't because of cost-cutting

When the drill unit sank on Thursday, we immediately and intensely investigated by remotely operated vehicles the entire 5, 000 feet of pipe that's on the floor of the ocean.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks on NYC Incident and BP Oil Spill in Louisiana | The White House