Rentokil Initial Regulatory News (RTO)

20 Oct 2005 10:00

Rentokil Initial PLC20 October 2005 RENTOKIL INITIAL (THE "COMPANY") ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF EDWARD BROWN and THE APPOINTMENT OF ANDY HOBART AS MD PEST CONTROL AND PLANTS Rentokil Initial plc announces that Edward Brown, 54, has notified the Boardthat he intends to retire from his role as a main board director effective 5January 2006.Edward has been a director of Rentokil Initial since July 1998, having joinedthe Company in 1981, and has held a range of senior executive positions,culminating in his present one as Managing Director, Pest Control and Plants. The Company's chairman, Brian McGowan, said today:- "Edward has made a significant contribution to the Company over many years and,in particular, the Board recognises his commitment to the roles of chiefoperating officer, marketing director and managing director in recent times. TheBoard accepts his decision to retire with regret but can understand his wish todo so after nearly 25 years with the Company. His commitment and enthusiasm willbe greatly missed. We wish him well in the future." The Company also announces the appointment of Andy Hobart as successor to EdwardBrown as Managing Director, Pest Control and Plants Division from 1 December 2005. Andy, 43, joins after five years with RAC during which he was the ManagingDirector of a number of support services businesses. For the past two years hehas been the Managing Director of the RAC / RBS Joint Venture company LexTransfleet, the commercial vehicle contract hire and fleet managementoutsourcing services business with 1400 employees and turnover of £160 million.Prior to this Andy held a number of senior management positions in The BOCGroup. During his period as Managing Director of Lex Transfleet, Andy has delivered asignificant improvement in employee satisfaction, customer service, and a 50%growth in profits. Commenting on the appointment Chief Executive, Doug Flynn, said:- "I am delighted to welcome Andy to his new role. His experience at RAC inrunning support service businesses, combined with his previous internationalroles, are extremely appropriate in this time of change and regeneration atRentokil Initial. His achievements in delivering outstanding performance areimpressive. " The senior management team which we will have in place from December is theteam that I expect to lead the turnaround of this company and a return tosustainable growth." Enquiries:John Sunnucks, Gill Ackers; Brunswick Group LLP 020 7404 5959Charles Grimaldi, Rentokil Initial plc 01342 833022 Notes to editors Other recent senior management appointments The appointment of Andy Hobart is the latest in a number of senior managementappointments made during the year who report directly to Doug Flynn, ChiefExecutive: • Mark Boyle, Director of Strategy & Development • Andrew Macfarlane, Chief Financial Officer • Cathy Brown, Head of the Change Programme Office • Andy Kemp, Human Resources Director • David Liu, Divisional Managing Director, Asia Pacific Rentokil Initial Rentokil Initial is one of the largest business services companies in the world,operating in all the major economies of Europe, North America, Asia Pacific andAfrica. The company has some 90,000 employees providing a range of supportservices in over 40 countries where the 'Rentokil' and 'Initial' brands havecome to represent innovation, deep expertise and consistent quality of service.Services include pest control, tropical plants, hygiene services, facilitiesservices, electronic security and parcels delivery. Pest Control and Plants Pest Control Rentokil Initial offers a comprehensive pest control service in 40 countries andsupplies Rentokil branded pest control products to industry. The highly regardedRentokil Initial Research and Development Centre continues to introduce leadinginnovations and effective solutions for pest control with specific emphasisplaced on health, safety and protection of the environment. It is one of themarket leaders in commercial pest control worldwide. PlantsTropical Plants is the largest interior landscaping company in the world andoperates in 16 countries. Indoor plants are offered to customers on a rental andmaintenance or purchase and maintenance basis, ranging from a single plant ortree to displays for the largest atrium. Rentokil Initial's specialist in-housedesign and development team also offers a range of services to facilitiesmanagers, interior designers and architects, to introduce plants as an integralpart of building design and refurbishment. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange