Ashtead Group PLC (“Ashtead”) today announces the appointment of Joseph (Joe) James Phelan, as President and Chief Executive Officer of its US subsidiary, Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. (“Sunbelt”).  Mr Phelan will also join the Board of Ashtead as an executive director.  Both appointments will become effective in mid-April and follow the successful culmination of a full recruitment process. 

Ashtead also announces the departure of Cliff Miller, the CEO of Sunbelt, after 13 years with the Group. Cliff formally ceased being a director of Ashtead and of Sunbelt as from the close of business on 6 April 2009.

Joe Phelan is a US citizen and joins Ashtead from Deutsche Post DHL where, most recently, he has been CEO of DHL Global Mail based in Weston, Florida.  Joe was also a member of the Deutsche Post executive committee.  Before joining DHL in 2004, Joe held a number of senior executive positions with American Airlines. 

Geoff Drabble, chief executive of Ashtead Group PLC commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Joe, who has a wealth of experience in logistics and change management and in running large, multi-location businesses.  We anticipate that Joe will be instrumental in helping us take Sunbelt onto the next stage in its development.  We also thank Cliff Miller for his efforts in helping us develop Sunbelt from the small regional rental business it was when he joined it in 1996 to the large nationwide rental company it is today.”

In accordance with paragraph 9.6.13 (1)-(6) of the Listing Rules, Joe Phelan has advised that he has no details to disclose.

Contacts:

Geoff Drabble, CEO Ashtead Group PLC    020 7726 9700
Brian Hudspith, Maitland      020 7379 5151