Thérèse Esperdy to lead Rentokil Initial (NYSE: RTO) Board from 2026

Filing Impact

(Neutral)

Filing Sentiment

(Neutral)

Form Type

6-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Rentokil Initial plc has appointed Thérèse Esperdy as Chair of the Board, effective 1 September 2026. She will first join as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate on 1 July 2026, supporting an orderly transition.

Esperdy currently serves as Non-Executive Chair of Imperial Brands and holds senior roles at Smith & Nephew and Moody's, with a long executive background at JP Morgan. She will receive total fees of £725,000 per annum. Current Chair Richard Solomons, who has led the Board since 2019, will retire from the Board at midnight on 31 August 2026. The Board has determined Esperdy to be independent under the Corporate Governance Code.

Key Figures

Chair annual fees: £725,000 per annum Employees: c.63,400 people Countries of operation: 90 countries +3 more

6 metrics

Chair annual fees £725,000 per annum Total fees for Thérèse Esperdy as Chair

Employees c.63,400 people Global workforce size

Countries of operation 90 countries Geographic footprint of Rentokil Initial

Chair-designate start date 1 July 2026 Esperdy joins Board as Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate

Chair effective date 1 September 2026 Esperdy becomes Chair of the Board

Outgoing Chair retirement 31 August 2026 (midnight) Richard Solomons retires from the Board

Key Terms

Non-Executive Director, Senior Independent Director, Corporate Governance Code, Listing Rule 6.4.8, +1 more

5 terms

Non-Executive Director financial

"She will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate"

A non-executive director is a member of a company’s board who does not work for the company day-to-day but provides independent oversight, strategic guidance and checks on management. For investors, they matter because they act like an impartial referee or outside advisor, helping ensure decisions protect shareholder interests, reduce risks of poor governance, and add credibility to financial reporting and long-term strategy.

Senior Independent Director financial

"She is also the Senior Independent Director designate of Smith & Nephew plc"

A senior independent director is an experienced, independent member of a company’s board who acts as a go‑to person for shareholders, other directors, and the chair when impartial judgment or escalation is needed. Like an independent referee or ombudsman, they provide extra oversight, help resolve disputes, ensure the board listens to investor concerns, and strengthen governance—reducing the risk that management or the chair could act without adequate challenge.

Corporate Governance Code financial

"in accordance with the Corporate Governance Code"

A corporate governance code is a set of recommended rules and best practices that guide how a company’s leaders are chosen, overseen and held accountable, covering board makeup, executive pay, shareholder rights and transparency. Investors treat it like a recipe for trust: companies that follow the code are more likely to manage risks, provide reliable information and treat owners fairly, which can influence confidence, risk and long‑term returns.

Listing Rule 6.4.8 regulatory

"There are no additional details to disclose under Listing Rule 6.4.8"

Nomination Committee financial

"She will succeed Richard Solomons as Chair of the Nomination Committee"

A nomination committee is a small group of board members that screens, selects and recommends people to serve on a company’s board of directors and oversees succession planning for top executives. Think of it as a hiring panel for the board that checks skills, independence and fit so the leadership mix supports the company’s goals. Investors care because the committee shapes who sets strategy, manages risk and protects shareholder interests.

Form 6-K: How Foreign Companies Report to the SEC →

04/15/2026 - 07:18 AM

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

___________________

FORM 6-K

__________________

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of April 2026

Commission File Number: 001-41524

___________________________________

Rentokil Initial plc

(Registrant’s name)

___________________________________

Compass House

Manor Royal

Crawley

West Sussex RH10 9PY

United Kingdom

(Address of principal executive office)

_____________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐

Directorate Change dated 15 April 2026

15 April, 2026

Rentokil Initial plc appoints Thérèse Esperdy as Chair

Rentokil Initial plc (LSE: RTO, NYSE: RTO) ("the Company") today announces the appointment of Thérèse Esperdy as Chair of the Board commencing 1 September 2026. She will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate on 1 July 2026.

This appointment follows the announcement on 5 March 2026 that Richard Solomons, who has served as the Chair of the Company since 2019, had informed the Board of his intention to retire from the Company.

Thérèse is currently Non-Executive Chair of Imperial Brands plc, a position from which she will retire following their November 2026 Board meeting and FY 2026 results announcement, having served on the Board since July 2016. She is also the Senior Independent Director designate of Smith & Nephew plc and a Non-Executive Director of Moody's Corporation. Thérèse was previously Senior Independent Director of National Grid plc.

In her executive career, Thérèse held senior leadership roles with JP Morgan including Global Chair of their Financial Institutions Group, Co-head of Asia-Pacific Corporate & Investment Banking and Global Head of Debt Capital Markets.

Senior Independent Director, John Pettigrew, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Thérèse to Rentokil Initial. She brings considerable experience to the Board from her wide-ranging non-executive roles in international businesses based in both the UK and the US. The Board is confident that she is the best possible candidate to lead the Board through the exciting next phase of Rentokil Initial's growth, working with Mike and the executive team.

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Richard for his strong, committed leadership and his significant contributions to the Company over many years."

Thérèse Esperdy, incoming Chair, said:

"It's a privilege to be appointed as Chair of the Board, and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to drive the Company forward and realise the great potential it has as a leading global provider of pest control and hygiene services."

Richard Solomons, outgoing Chair, said:

"It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chair of Rentokil Initial over what has been a period of growth and transformation for the business. With the successful appointment of Mike Duffy as CEO, and a clear strategy developed for North American growth, 2026 is the right time for me to step down and ensure a smooth handover to Thérèse. I have great confidence in the future success of Rentokil Initial - it's a high-quality business, full of exceptional people, operating in highly resilient growth markets."

Notes

The Board determined that Thérèse Esperdy is an independent Non-Executive Director on appointment in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. She will succeed Richard Solomons as Chair of the Nomination Committee on 1 September 2026. There are no additional details to disclose under Listing Rule 6.4.8 in respect of the appointment. Thérèse will receive total fees of £725,000 per annum. Richard Solomons will retire from the Board with effect from midnight on 31 August 2026.

For further information, please contact:

Investors / Analysts: Heather Wood, Rentokil Initial plc, +44 7808 098793

Media: Malcolm Padley, Rentokil Initial plc, +44 7788 978199

About Rentokil Initial plc:

Rentokil Initial plc is a global leader in Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing services. It employs c.63,400 people in 90 countries.

www.rentokil-initial.com

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: 15 April 2026	RENTOKIL INITIAL PLC
	/s/ Rachel Canham
	Name: Rachel Canham
	Title: Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

What change in leadership did Rentokil Initial (RTO) announce?

Rentokil Initial appointed Thérèse Esperdy as Chair of the Board, effective 1 September 2026. She will join first as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate on 1 July 2026, succeeding current Chair Richard Solomons upon his retirement.

When will Richard Solomons step down as Rentokil Initial (RTO) Chair?

Richard Solomons will retire from the Rentokil Initial Board with effect from midnight on 31 August 2026. He has served as Chair since 2019 and describes 2026 as the right time to step down following leadership changes and strategic progress.

What is Thérèse Esperdy’s background before joining Rentokil Initial (RTO)?

Thérèse Esperdy is Non-Executive Chair of Imperial Brands, Senior Independent Director designate of Smith & Nephew, and a Non-Executive Director of Moody’s. Previously, she held senior roles at JP Morgan, including Global Chair of the Financial Institutions Group and Global Head of Debt Capital Markets.

How much will the new Rentokil Initial (RTO) Chair be paid?

Thérèse Esperdy will receive total fees of £725,000 per annum as Chair. This compensation reflects her role leading the Board and chairing the Nomination Committee, alongside her responsibilities overseeing governance at a global pest control and hygiene services group.

Is Thérèse Esperdy considered independent on the Rentokil Initial (RTO) Board?

Yes. The Board determined that Thérèse Esperdy is an independent Non-Executive Director on appointment, in line with the Corporate Governance Code. She will also become Chair of the Nomination Committee on 1 September 2026, reinforcing her formal governance responsibilities.

How large is Rentokil Initial (RTO) and what does it do?

Rentokil Initial is described as a global leader in pest control and Hygiene & Wellbeing services. It employs approximately 63,400 people across 90 countries, highlighting its broad international footprint and scale within essential service markets worldwide.