Directorate Change

Ashtead Group PLC
20 April 2005


Ashtead Group plc

20th April 2005

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

                     Appointment of Non-executive Director

Ashtead Group plc is pleased to announce that Geoffrey Drabble will be appointed
as a non-executive director with effect from 20th April 2005.

Geoffrey is a main board director of The Laird Group plc and formerly held  a
number of senior management positions for Black & Decker.


For further information contact:

Cob Stenham Chairman Ashtead Group plc 0207 299 5562
George Burnett Chief Executive Ashtead Group plc 01372 362300



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