H&R Block Names Russ Smyth CEO

H&R Block(HRB Quote) on Tuesday named Russ Smyth its new president and CEO.

Smyth, who will begin work at the tax preparer Aug. 1, spent 21 years at McDonald's(MCD Quote), where he most recently was president of the fast food chain's European division. He replaces Alan Bennett, who has served as interim CEO at H&R Block since November.

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