GlobeNewswire Inc | Sep 8, 2020 09:00AM EDT

September 08, 2020

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) today announced that Ian Hardman joined the company as vice president and general manager, small business, advancing the companys focus on growing its services for and support of small business owners. Hardman will be responsible for building cross-functional solutions that help small business owners confidently manage their business and finances.

H&R Block serves more than 2.5 million small businesses owners each year, said Karen Orosco, senior vice president, U.S. Retail at H&R Block. Under Ians leadership, we look forward to developing and implementing innovative products and services to help them manage their finances year-round and strengthen their business for future growth.

In this new role, Hardman provides the leadership, strategic prioritization, and vision required to grow H&R Blocks small business tax business as well as strengthen its bookkeeping and payroll services. Prior to joining H&R Block, Hardman was the chief strategy officer, SVP enterprise strategy, and business development at 1-800Flowers.com, where he was responsible for driving organic growth across more than 10 consumer brands, incubating the companys first personalized products ecommerce brand, and launching a third-party gifting marketplace.

Ian brings great experience in sourcing acquisitions, commercializing new operating models, and driving impressive growth results across numerous direct-to-consumer and business-to-business platforms, said Orosco.

Hardman holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Howard University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.

About H&R BlockH&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through globaltax preparation,financial services, andsmall business solutions. The company is disrupting the tax industry by providing consumers price transparency and with digital platforms such asTax Pro GoSM. H&R Block believes the best solutions blend digital capabilities with human expertise and care. For more information, getH&R Block Newsonline and follow@HRBlockNews.

For further informationInvestor Relations: Colby Brown | 816-854-4559 | colby.brown@hrblock.comMedia Relations: Angela Davied | 816-854-5798 | angela.davied@hrblock.com