September 1999

H&R Block Hires Amex's Yabuki

By Danielle D'Angelo

H&R Block recently named Jeffery W. Yabuki, former president and chief executive officer of American Express Tax & Business Services, to the new position of president, H&R Block International.

Yabuki will lead H&R Block's international tax operations, located primarily in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In addition, he will direct the expansion of the company's financial services strategy in international markets.

Yabuki is the second American Express Tax & Business Services senior executive to join H&R Block. Last fall, the company hired Mark Ernst, former senior vice president at American Express. H&R Block and American Express Tax & Business Services are fierce competitors in the race to purchase CPA firms, and H&R Block recently became a market leader with its acquisition of McGladrey & Pullen. (See related story on this page.)

At American Express, Yabuki was responsible for managing all aspects of the company's tax, accounting, and consulting business, consisting of nearly 2,600 professionals throughout 19 states.

"Jeff understands the tax and financial services industries and how financial services can be extended to clients from a tax-based relationship," Frank L. Salizzoni, president and chief executive officer of H&R Block, said. "His challenge will be to help us determine how best to apply our strategy in international markets, identify the opportunities to strengthen client relationships, and build our business."