C. William Pollard To Retire From Board of Directors.

Business Editors

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2002

The ServiceMaster Company (NYSE: SVM) announced today that C. William Pollard will retire from the Board of Directors and as Chairman of its Executive Committee in January 2003.

Mr. Pollard joined

ServiceMaster in 1977 as Senior Vice President and in 1981 was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer. In May 1983, he was elected Chief Executive Officer of the Company and continued in that role until the end of 1993--a period characterized by change in the business structure and direction of the business, including the introduction and rapid growth of the Company's consumer service businesses. In October 1999, he returned as the CEO of the Company and served until February 2001. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from May 1990 to April 2002.

"My decision to retire from the Board at this time reflects the commitment I made when I returned as CEO to support an orderly and smooth transition process in our leadership succession," said Pollard. "As I step back from a role in the leadership and governance of the Company, I do so with confidence in the potential of our future, the focus and commitment of Jon Ward and his leadership team, and the experience and judgment of my colleagues on the Board. I remain committed to our people and our mission. I am thankful for all of what ServiceMaster has meant to me and my family over the past 25 years."

"I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Bill Pollard and benefit from his experience and perspective," said Jonathan Ward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "I have asked Bill to take the title of Chairman Emeritus in recognition of his continuing counsel and support."

In his role as Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Pollard will act as visiting teacher, support initiatives of ethics and faith in the workplace, and provide consulting services on various ServiceMaster issues.

Mr. Pollard continues to serve many public companies, charitable and faith-based organizations through a variety of board positions, leadership roles and special speaking and teaching assignments.

ServiceMaster currently provides outsourcing services for more than 11.5 million residential and commercial customers, with combined customer level revenue of approximately $5.1 billion. The core service capabilities of the Company include lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, plumbing, heating and air conditioning services, cleaning, furniture repair and home warranty.

These services are provided through a network of over 5,400 company-owned and franchised service centers and business units operating under leading brands which include Terminix, TruGreen ChemLawn, TruGreen LandCare, American Residential Services, Rescue Rooter, American Mechanical Services, ServiceMaster Clean, American Home Shield, AmeriSpec, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and The ServiceMaster Home Service Center.