John Ridgway joined BP in 1971 as an officer cadet. Following thirteen years of seagoing interspersed with college education, and rising to the rank of captain, he spent one year undertaking an extra Masters course. Commencing a shore career within the BP Group in 1984, and mostly within BP Shipping, he has been involved in many facets of shipping's business.

John is a past Chairman of the Marine Preservation Society, and past President of the American Petroleum Institute's Marine segment. He is currently a committee member of the Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited Alaska Tanker Company, and various other bodies.

He was Deputy Chief Executive of BP Shipping from January 2001 until December 2008, when he was appointed CEO.