Directorate Change

Director Update

Ashtead Group plc

27 July 2011

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                                Director Update                                

Ashtead Group plc announces that Ian Robson Finance Director since June 2000,
has notified the Company of his intention to retire in July 2012. Ian has
worked tirelessly on the Company's behalf over the last eleven years and the
financial strength of the Company and its sound debt structure which have
served the Company well through the recent recession are tributes to those
efforts.

Upon Ian's retirement, the Company is delighted to announce that Suzanne Wood
will succeed Ian as Group Finance Director. Suzanne, an American citizen, has
been Chief Financial Officer of the Group's wholly owned subsidiary, Sunbelt
Rentals Inc since 2004. Suzanne's in-depth knowledge of Sunbelt's business will
be invaluable in enabling a seamless transition in July 2012.

Contacts:

Geoff Drabble Group Chief Executive 0207 726 9700

Ian Robson Group Finance Director 0207 726 9700

Brian Hudspith Maitland 0207 379 5151