Directorate Change

Ashtead Group PLC
30 July 2003


ASHTEAD GROUP PLC


Ashtead Group plc announces that Bruce Dressel, the President and Chief
Executive Officer of its US subsidiary, Sunbelt Rentals Inc, has left the
Company.

George Burnett, Ashtead Group Chief Executive, will be based in the USA for the
foreseeable future and the Sunbelt senior management team will report directly
to him.

Sunbelt continues to be one of the strongest companies in the rental business.
The Group is committed to consolidating Sunbelt's number four position in the US
rental market and taking advantage of growth opportunities as they arise.







                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange