Directorate Change

Ashtead Group plc                               

                 Appointment of interim non-executive Chairman                 

The Board of Ashtead Group plc today announces the appointment of its senior
independent director, Christopher Cole, as interim non-executive Chairman
following the recent untimely death of Cob Stenham.

Mr Cole, Chief Executive of WSP Group plc, has been a director of the Ashtead
Group since January 2002.


Contacts:                                                                     
                                                                              
George Burnett            Chief executive            )                        
Geoff Drabble             Chief executive designate  ) 01372 362300           
Ian Robson                Finance Director           )                        
                                                                              
Brian Hudspith            Maitland                   020 7379 5151