Robert Dudley

BP's board appears to be saying yes. They're betting the American who has become the face of BP's Gulf Oil spill cleanup has the right stuff to not only end that nightmare but to lead an overhaul of BP's corporate culture to one that stresses safety as well profits.

Investors got an early jump on BP's earnings announcement, sending the stock about 4% higher in Monday in a positive reaction to the oil giant's anticipated ouster of CEO Tony Hayward in favor of Gulf cleanup czar Bob Dudley.

BP CEO Tony Hayward is negotiating the terms of his departure ahead of the oil company's results announcement, British media said Sunday. Citing unidentified sources, the BBC and Sunday Telegraph said detailed talks regarding Hayward's future had taken place over the weekend. The BBC said a formal announcement on Hayward's exit is expected in the next 24 hours; the Telegraph said it would be made in the next 48 hours.