Oil Search chairman Rick Lee told his chief executive Kieran Wulff about a confidential letter from one of his senior executives raising formal allegations that Dr Wulff engaged in bullying and misconduct, within days of receiving it.

Chief financial officer designate Ayten Saridas was contacted by Dr Wulff soon after sending the confidential letter outlining her lengthy concerns, despite the chief executive being the subject of Ms Saridas’ complaints related to bullying and intimidatory conduct.