Appointment of Chairman

Rentokil Initial PLC
19 May 2004




19TH May 2004 - Embargoed until 0700 am


  Brian McGowan appointed Chairman of Rentokil Initial plc: Sir Clive Thompson
                                   steps down

The Board of Rentokil Initial plc announces that Sir Clive Thompson has today
stepped down as Chairman of the Board and as a non-executive director of
Rentokil Initial plc. The role of Chairman has been taken by Brian McGowan,
previously deputy Chairman and the senior independent non-executive director.

The Board believes that, with the successful development of a new management
team since Sir Clive Thompson became Chairman in 2002, following 20 successful
years as Chief Executive, this is an opportune time for a change. The Board also
believes that a new Chairman will be best able to help management respond to the
long-term challenges of the current business environment in order to return the
company to strong profitable growth.

For further information:

James Wilde, Chief Executive                         00 44 (0)1342 833022
Roger Payne, Finance Director
Charles Grimaldi, Corporate Affairs Director

John Sunnucks/Gill Ackers, Brunswick Group LLP       00 44 (0) 207 404 5959

There will be a conference call for investors and analysts at 08:15 on 19 May
2004. Details as follows:

Dial-in number:                                      00 44 (0)1452 541 076
Password:                                            Rentokil

Interviews with Brian McGowan and James Wilde are available in video, audio and
text on www.cantos.com and www.rentokil-initial.com

Notes to editors

Brian McGowan, Chairman
Aged 59. Chartered Accountant. Appointed a director in October 1996 and deputy
chairman in May 2002. Chairman of UMECO plc and Catalyst Corporate Finance
Limited. Formerly chief executive of Williams plc and Chairman of House of
Fraser plc.

James Wilde Chief Executive
Aged 50. Appointed a director in February 2002 and chief executive in January
2003. Joined the company in July 1993 when Securiguard Group plc, of which he
was a director, was acquired. Appointed regional managing director in September
1996 and business development director in January 2001. Before joining
Securiguard, held executive appointments with Charles Barker ABH International
Limited.

Sir Clive Thompson
Aged 61. Appointed a director in August 1982. Chief executive from January 1983
to January 2003 and chairman from May 2002. Chairman of Kleeneze plc. Past
president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Former director of J
Sainsbury plc, Wellcome PLC, BAT Industries PLC, Seeboard plc and Caradon PLC.
Former deputy chairman of the Financial Reporting Council and member of the
Committee on Corporate Governance.




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