Chicago is My Home

23
Jul

Former McDonald’s Executive Russ Smyth Named New CEO at H&R Block

Author: Adam Fendelman, Category: Business

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The tax services company H&R Block announced on Tuesday its board of directors has appointed former McDonald’s Corp. executive Russ Smyth as president and CEO. Smyth, who will take over on Aug. 1, 2008, replaces interim CEO Alan Bennett. Bennett has been heading the company since former CEO Mark Ernst left in Nov. 2007.

A 21-year veteran of McDonald’s, Smyth spent his first 13 years with the company in its finance department working in financial accounting and controller positions. He later held several international executive roles including president of McDonald’s European operations. Smyth left McDonald’s in 2005 and has since worked with private equity firms and private companies.

“Russ has excellent experience working with a powerful brand and delivering consistently high-quality performance across a vast retail network,” said H&R Block Chairman Richard Breeden in a Tuesday statement. “He also has extensive experience with finance and accounting and appreciates the critical importance of improving returns on capital.”

By Megan O’Neil