KANSAS CITY, MO -- (Marketwire) -- 08/12/09 -- H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), the world's preeminent tax service provider, today announced that Robert Turtledove has joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Turtledove will oversee the Company's marketing and communications programs to drive increased consumer consideration of H&R Block.

"Robert brings 25 years of broad consumer marketing experience with some of the world's best brands and companies. We are delighted to have him come aboard at this important time for H&R Block as we pursue renewed growth in clients and market share. We look forward to Robert's expertise and leadership in leveraging the power of our brand, which is one of the most-recognized and iconic in the country," said Russ Smyth, president and chief executive officer of H&R Block.

Turtledove joins H&R Block from TheLadders.com, a leading executive job search website, where he served as chief marketing officer.

"I'm delighted to be joining one of the most recognized and regarded brands in America, and look forward to continuing its 55-year tradition of leadership and service," said Turtledove.

Prior to that, he held senior marketing positions with MetroMedia Restaurant Group (Ponderosa, Stake & Ale, Bonanza, and Bennigan's) including senior vice president -- marketing and concept development, and later as chief concept officer for MetroMedia Family Steakhouses. He also previously served as a marketing vice president for Pizza Hut (part of YumBrands) in both its international and U.S. operations. His broad experience includes working for and positioning other well-known brands such as Pepsi, Frito-Lay and Lever Brothers.

A native of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Turtledove received a B.S. in marketing, business policy and economics, with honors, from the University of Cape Town.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having prepared more than 500 million tax returns since 1955. In fiscal 2009, H&R Block had annual revenues of $4.1 billion and prepared more than 24 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 120,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, online through H&R Block Online, through its TaxCut® software and through other channels. The Company is also one of the leading providers of business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.