H&R Block Appoints Russ Smyth Chief Executive Officer

Former Interim CEO Alan M. Bennett Nominated for Election to the
Board of Directors
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(Business Wire)--
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) announced today the appointment of Russ
Smyth as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1.
Smyth replaces Alan M. Bennett, who has served as Interim CEO since
November, 2007. Mr. Smyth has also been elected a member of H&R
Block's Board of Directors effective upon commencement of his service
as CEO.

Prior to joining H&R Block, Mr. Smyth had a career of 21 years
with McDonald's Corporation, most recently as President of McDonald's
Europe. In that capacity, he was responsible for 6,300 retail
locations in 51 countries with aggregate revenues of more than $6.7
billion, and representing approximately 35% of McDonald's aggregate
revenue and profit. Prior to that time, Mr. Smyth was President of
McDonald's Partner Brands, where he had responsibility for alternative
franchise platforms and diversification efforts. Mr. Smyth also had
earlier senior operating responsibilities for McDonald's in both Asia
and Latin America.

At the outset of his career at McDonald's, Mr. Smyth worked in the
financial arena for 13 years. He served in a series of financial
accounting or controller positions, including European Controller
based in London, before returning to the U.S. after being appointed
International Controller. Mr. Smyth has a Bachelor's of Science in
accounting and a Master's of Accounting Science from Northern Illinois
University. He began his career on the audit staff of Price
Waterhouse.

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

"Russ has worked with and motivated a large and diverse workforce,
and also has proven abilities running a significant franchise
network," added Mr. Breeden. "The Board believes that Russ will help
H&R Block utilize more effectively the power of its brand in growing
market share, and also in improving efficiency and developing new
distribution channels in the U.S. and internationally."

"H&R Block is a strong brand with a proud history and a great team
of tax and financial professionals," said Mr. Smyth. "I'm excited to
lead the company at this important time, when there is so much growth
potential to be realized."

Mr. Smyth is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Lewis
University in Romeoville, IL. For the past three years, Mr. Smyth has
worked with several private equity firms and served as an owner and
board member of several privately held companies.

The Company also announced that it has nominated Alan M. Bennett,
who is completing his service as Interim CEO, for election to its
board of directors at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders in
September. If elected, Mr. Bennett will join the Board following the
Company's annual meeting.

"Alan did an outstanding job under difficult circumstances when he
joined the company last November and helped lead it through a series
of critical restructuring moves. The Company cannot adequately thank
Alan for his leadership, and for the excellent results he helped
achieve during his tenure," said Mr. Breeden. "We are extremely
pleased with the prospect of Alan joining the board, and bringing his
long experience with financial markets developed as CFO of Aetna,
Inc., as well as the thorough knowledge he gained of H&R Block during
his time as interim CEO," added Mr. Breeden.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services
provider, having served more than 400 million clients since 1955 and
generating annual revenues of $4.4 billion in fiscal year 2008. H&R
Block provides income tax return preparation and related services and
products via a nationwide network of approximately 13,000
company-owned and franchised offices and through TaxCut(R) online and
software solutions. The company also provides business services
through RSM McGladrey and certain consumer financial services. For
more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

H&R Block
Nancy Mays, 816-854-4537
nmays@hrblock.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008