Non-executive Director

Ashtead Group PLC
20 February 2004






                               Ashtead Group plc

                        Non executive Directorate Change


Ashtead Group plc announces that its former chairman, Henry Staunton, retires
today from his position as non-executive director having completed the planned
handover period to Cob Stenham who succeeded Henry as chairman on 1 January
2004. Henry Staunton is finance director of the newly formed ITV plc. The Board
wishes to record its appreciation to Henry for his service as chairman between
2001 and 2003 and as a non-executive director since November 1997.



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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