The new CEO of BP is making a case for security as a competitive advantage. Reuters reports that he ousted his exploration chief as part of a vow to boost safety

“There is a pressing need to rebuild trust in BP around the world,” [Chief Executive Bob] Dudley added.

Neither in the official or internal statements did Dudley admit that safety failings particular to BP played a role in the oil spill.

Instead, he repeated BP’s position that the disaster highlighted industry shortcomings — a line of argument which has enraged BP’s rivals, who accuse the London-based company of having a weak focus on safety and technical excellence.

I guess as long as BP is part of the industry they are in a well-informed position to talk about its shortcomings.