New Rentokil boss under Pressure

SHAREHOLDER pressure is mounting on Rentokil chairman Brian McGowan to follow his boardroom coup earlier this year with a decisive strategy statement on Thursday.

McGowan seized the reins at Rentokil after ousting the previous chairman, Sir Clive Thompson, in May and then removing chief executive James Wilde last month.

He then launched a strategic review at the pest control and conference organising group, the results of which will be unveiled with interim results that are expected to show profits down from £200 million to £179 million.

McGowan has indicated there will be 'no fireworks' on Thursday, but some shareholders have suggested he should sell the conference and parcels delivery operations, which could raise £550 million. Rentokil's shares have fallen 20% this year.