H&R Block CEO files retirement plans; company sets ‘smooth transition’ to new chief executive

Announcing his plan to retire at the end of 2025, the CEO for one of Kansas City’s most iconic businesses called his work at H&R Block the past eight years “the honor of a lifetime.”

“We have elevated Block’s relevance, built an extraordinary culture, made bold bets to drive growth, rebuilt about every piece of technology in the Company, leaned into AI, allocated capital smartly and created significant value for shareholders,” said Jeff Jones in a departure message posted to social media.

The company announced the news Monday, along with a succession process that sees executive Curtis Campbell, president of Global Consumer Tax and chief product officer at H&R Block, elevated to CEO-elect.

Jones and Campbell are expected to work closely to orchestrate a smooth leadership transition until Jan. 1, 2026, when Campbell will assume the role of president and CEO and will join the company’s board as a director. Jones will continue to assist in the transition as a strategic advisor at H&R Block through September 2026.

Curtis Campbell, CEO-elect, speaks during an H&R Block Town Hall event; photo courtesy of Curtis Campbell, H&R Block

“Knowing when it is time to go has been much harder than I ever imagined,” Jones said in his post, “but a few things are true: 1) we have a very solid foundation as a business and an incredible team of senior leaders across the Company, 2) we’ve successfully launched our Block Next strategy, 3) Our new Board Chair, Dick Johnson will be an invaluable partner to Curtis, and 4) we have an internal successor who is ready to take Block to the next level of performance.”

Jeff Jones, CEO at H&R Block, speaks in July during a celebration of H&R Block’s 70th anniversary at Kansas City’s historic Midland Theater; photo courtesy of Jeff Jones, H&R Block

H&R Block lauded Jones’ work to introduce the company’s Upfront Transparent Pricing, as well as efforts under the Block Horizons strategy with a focus on Small Business Services, Spruce mobile banking, and the omnichannel tax experience — including AI Tax Assist — that have helped to drive growth and relevance of the H&R Block brand.

From the archives: H&R Block must reconnect with startup energy, innovation, CEO Jeff Jones says

Beyond his customer-focused initiatives, Jones launched highly successful community impact programs including Make Every Block Better, Fund Her Future, and A Fair Shot, all of which have bolstered the H&R Block’s commitment to building connections among neighbors and supporting small business owners, the company said.

From the archives: H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs

Jones emphasized his commitment to the transition process and indicated he has no firm plans and no new role ahead.

“I’ve given everything I have to H&R Block every single day since I started on October 9, 2017, and I am looking forward to stepping back to fully appreciate what we’ve been able to accomplish,” Jones said.

Curtis Campbell, CEO-elect, on stage during an H&R Block Town Hall event; photo courtesy of Curtis Campbell, H&R Block

His successor Campbell has a lengthy corporate history, with experience at Capital One, Intuit, and Amazon Web Services. Immediately before joining H&R Block in May 2024, he served as president and CEO of TaxAct, where, during his five-year tenure, he led TaxAct through a dramatic transformation resulting in double-digit revenue growth.

Campbell’s selection follows a comprehensive succession-planning process, the company said.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead this iconic brand and company, which I have deeply admired and respected for many years,” Campbell said in a press release. “Jeff’s vision and leadership transformed H&R Block into the remarkable company it is today, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. I am excited to lead our amazing team as we enter our next phase of growth and continue to deliver on our purpose: To provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere.”