But now he's finally on his way out—following allegations over his use of company "resources" to help his companion, Jeff Chevalier. Chevalier says Browne sent BP staff members to give him cash, let him use BP computers and technical support and helped him set up his own company. He was on his way out anyway because of the refinery explosion and BP pipeline leaks in Alaska last year, but the latest allegations pushed him out the door more quickly.
 
The Houston Chronicle business correspondent, Loren Steffy, sums it up this way:
 
                   [BP] Chairman Peter Sutherland called it "a tragedy that [Browne] should be                   compelled by his sense of honor to resign in these painful circumstances."
 
                  A tragedy? No, that would have been more than two years ago in Texas City.