Rentokil CEO: "I Still Have Imposter Syndrome"

Rentokil CEO: "I Still Have Imposter Syndrome" Get more insights from Business Leader's newsletter: businessleader.co.uk/newsletters Richard Harpin sits down with Andy Ransom, the outgoing CEO of Rentokil Initial, to unpack the strategy behind building one of the world’s largest pest control companies. After 12 years as CEO and 18 years at the company, Andy shares the leadership decisions, acquisitions and culture changes that helped transform Rentokil into a global powerhouse operating in 88 countries. From scaling through hundreds of acquisitions to executing the massive Terminix deal, this conversation explores what it really takes to grow and lead a global business. Andy also opens up about his unexpected path to leadership, the role of fear of failure in driving success, and the mindset required to navigate crises, make tough decisions, and build teams that win together. In this episode, we explore: • How Rentokil scaled into a global market leader • The strategy behind major acquisitions and M&A • Why company culture and people drive long-term success • The technology and AI transforming pest control • Leadership lessons from 12 years as a FTSE 100 CEO • Why resilience and fear of failure can fuel success Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, CEO, or business leader, this episode offers powerful insights into scaling companies, building strong teams and leading through complexity. Subscribe for more conversations with the entrepreneurs and executives shaping modern business. Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro: Andy Ransom Steps Down as Rentokil CEO 1:33 - From Village Postman’s Son to Global CEO 3:10 - The $4 Billion Lawsuit That Changed His Career 5:18 - Taking Over Rentokil: The First Big Strategic Changes 6:12 - Why Centralized Corporate Structures Fail 7:52 - Making Tough Leadership Decisions on Day One 9:03 - The Strategy Matrix That Reshaped Rentokil 12:58 - Why Pest Control Became Rentokil’s Core Business 15:20 - The Real Secret to Rentokil’s Success: People 17:23 - AI, Sensors & Smart Traps in Pest Control 21:30 - The Subscription Model Behind Pest Control 23:03 - Expanding Rentokil to 88 Countries 38:38 - The Terminix Deal That Made Rentokil No.1 46:10 - Leadership Lessons & Fear of Failure 51:45 - Succession Planning After 12 Years as CEO #BusinessLeader #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #CEO #ScalingBusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessGrowth #StartupAdvice #GlobalBusiness #FTSE100 #Management #Innovation Links: https://businessleader.co.uk/ https://businessleader.co.uk/content/...   / business.leader   https://open.spotify.com/show/3gtGA86... https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/channel...