BP Deepwater Horizon
Approximately 20 Delegates - Single Delegate
Welcome to BP Board of Directors! The Deepwater Horizon rig, operated by BP and owned by Transocean, suffered a catastrophic blowout at the Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers and causing one of the worst oil spills in history. The disaster quickly escalated into a global crisis involving the U.S. government, Gulf states, regulators, and the international community. This committee simulates a Board of Directors meeting held immediately after the explosion to decide how BP and its partners will respond to the unfolding catastrophe. Delegates must navigate questions of accountability, crisis management, and long-term corporate survival amid intense public and political scrutiny.
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to ILMUNC!
My name is Daniya Siddiqui, and I’m thrilled to serve as your Crisis Director for the BP Board of Directors: Deepwater Horizon crisis committee. Over the course of the weekend, you will step into the shoes of BP’s top decision-makers during one of the most catastrophic environmental and corporate crises in modern history. As members of the Board, you will be responsible for steering the company through the chaos of the unfolding oil spill—navigating mounting financial losses, legal challenges, reputational damage, government scrutiny, and public outrage.
Unlike traditional General Assembly committees, this is a crisis committee, which means the situation will be fast-paced and unpredictable. You will need to think on your feet, make tough decisions under pressure, and work both collaboratively and strategically to protect the company’s interests while grappling with the ethical and environmental responsibilities that come with leading one of the world’s largest energy corporations. Expect constant updates from our crisis staff, and be prepared to respond to new developments as they unfold in real time.
A little about me: I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Political Science. I’m originally from Chandler, Arizona, where I participated in my high school’s Model UN club. This is my second time staffing ILMUNC, and I’m excited to help create a challenging, immersive experience for you all. Outside of ILMUNC, I’m on our student newspaper and am part of a dance company on campus. I love working out and traveling when I get the chance!
Jayanth, Neel, and I are all looking forward to watching you navigate the high-stakes world of corporate crisis management. If you have any questions about the committee, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Daniya Siddiqui
Crisis Director, BP Board of Directors: Deepwater Horizon
daniyas@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the British Petroleum (BP) Board of Directors Committee of ILMUNC! My name is Jay Mammen, and as the Co-Chair I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of international peace and security.
Our committee is an emergency session at the corporate level, where you are all tasked with handling the largest oil spill in history! The Deepwater Horizon rig’s spill in 2010 was an environmental and commercial disaster, and as the effective “parents” of the CEO and other leaders at British Petroleum, you have the challenging task of navigating reputation damages, ecosystem destruction, financial goal of the company, and even each of your own motivations/incentives. Boards like that of BP’s are crucial in handling corporate governance issues, and have been the leaders who handle crises time and time again. And as disasters seem to be happening so often, the need for people like you to solve them is evermore important. I look forward to how you navigate this complex problem, and bring together the unique background of the board member you now represent in helping restore stability.
A little bit about me, I am a Senior in the Wharton School and College of Arts and Sciences studying finance and math & philosophy. I’m from New Jersey and I participated in my high school’s Model UN club. This will be my second conference that I have helped to plan with ILMUNC and hope that you all have an enriching and valuable experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am a part of investment organizations on campus and enjoy playing poker. I love running and trying a bunch of new restaurants on my Beli list!
Neel, Daniya, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the BP Board of Directors committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Jayanth Mammen
Co-Chair, BP Board of Directors
jmammen@wharton.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the BP Board of Directors Committee of ILMUNC! My name is Neel Patel, and, as the co-chair, I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that navigate the complexities of handling environmental and corporate crises.
Our committee is an emergency session at the corporate level, where you are all tasked with handling an oil spill in the Gulf! Deepwater Horizon is the largest environmental and commercial disaster in US history, and as the effective “parents” of the CEO and other leaders at British Petroleum, you have the challenging task of navigating reputation damages, ecosystem destruction, financial goal of the company, and even each of your own motivations/incentives. Boards like that of BP’s are crucial in handling corporate governance issues and have been the leaders who handle crises time and time again. And as disasters seem to be happening so often, the need for people like you to solve them is evermore important. I look forward to seeing how you navigate BP through this crisis.
A little bit about me, I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. I’m originally from New York City but now live in Kentucky. I went to the Gatton Academy where I participated in my high school’s Model UN club. This will be my third conference (second time with a crisis committee) that I have helped to plan with ILMUNC and hope that you all have an enriching and valuable experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am involved in the Global Research and Consulting group at Wharton and the Penn Undergraduate Moot Court team. I love hiking, traveling, and listening to music!
Jay, Daniya, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the BP Board of Directors committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Neel Patel
Co-Chair, BP Board of Directors Committee
neep@sas.upenn.edu
