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