Leading with Purpose: Breaking Down Barriers with Kerry Dryburgh

As part of the Purpose Power List Spotlight series, we are talking to leaders recognised on our 2025 Purpose Power List who continue to drive meaningful change through purpose-led leadership. The Spotlight series runs throughout 2026 as part of our wider #LeadingWithPurpose campaign, building momentum towards the launch of the 2026 Purpose Power List during party conference season in late September. 

One such leader is Kerry Dryburgh, EVP, people, culture and communications and chief human resources and communications officer at bp. Kerry’s leadership journey is rooted in lived experience, resilience and a deep belief that talent exists everywhere, even if opportunity does not. 

Kerry’s commitment to leading with purpose began long before she reached the executive level:  

“I didn’t start my career with a network or a roadmap – I progressed largely through learning by doing and leaning on the support of those who saw potential in me. 

When I left school at 16 to become an apprentice, I didn’t see people like me in leadership, so top positions initially didn’t seem possible. At the time, I felt like the only one in the room who didn’t go to the ‘right’ school or have the ‘right’ connections. I now find purpose in helping to break down those invisible barriers – as my advocates did for me. 

These experiences shaped my belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. It’s why I’m passionate about creating environments where people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. 

Throughout my career I have seen incredible talent emerge all around me. I’m inspired by the chance to build a culture where psychological safety, authenticity and opportunity aren’t just values – they’re lived experiences, no matter where you came from.” 

That belief in potential has continued to guide Kerry’s sense of purpose throughout her career, particularly during moments of challenge and reflection. 

“I found purpose in my work by recognising that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. Early on in my career I didn’t have a university degree, but I had curiosity, grit, and a desire to make a difference. 

My professional purpose came into even sharper focus during one of the most challenging moments of my personal life. My experience with breast cancer reframed how I think about wellbeing. It isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – when people feel safe, supported, and seen, they don’t just succeed – they thrive. 

Across bp we’re working to build an environment that values wellbeing, champions inclusion, and opens doors. From introducing mental health education offers and workplace policies to support domestic abuse survivors, to initiating our company-wide social mobility goals – personal purpose has been the spark that drives my work.” 

Kerry’s personal purpose is translated into sustained organisational action at bp, where breaking down barriers to opportunity is embedded into culture, strategy and leadership across the organisation. 

“At bp, breaking down barriers to opportunity goes beyond a set of programmes, it’s a mindset being woven into our culture, our strategy, and our leadership. When we open doors and help people thrive, we strengthen our business and the resilience of our industry and communities. Ultimately, everybody benefits.” 

I believe that skills are the currency of careers, and we’re investing in a variety of training and learning opportunities to prepare current employees and future talent for the careers of today and tomorrow. 

Through our social mobility goals, we aim to expand access to high-quality apprenticeships and work experience opportunities, which have the potential to remove barriers and foster inclusive growth for generations to come. Additionally, more than 1200 employees participate in our social mobility business resource group, which connects allies and advocates across bp who are committed to improving inclusion for colleagues from socially mobile backgrounds.” 

Kerry’s story reflects the ambition of the Purpose Power List, curated and launched in 2025, and the ongoing #LeadingWithPurpose campaign. It is a reminder that leadership grounded in lived experience can shift culture, widen access and help create lasting opportunity. 

As the Purpose Power List Spotlight series continues across 2026, Kerry Dryburgh’s leadership stands as a powerful example of how purpose, when embedded into strategy and culture, can help break down barriers to opportunity for generations to come.