Tax preparation company H&R Block has recruited Dara Redler to be chief legal officer, as general counsel and chief administrative officer Tom Gerke has announced his retirement.
Redler was previously general counsel and corporate secretary at Nasdaq-listed Tilray. She was the first general counsel for the cannabis company business, built its global legal function and compliance program and led legal negotiations for a major merger.
Before working at Tilray, she held various legal roles during a 17-year career with The Coca-Cola Company across strategic alliances, franchise operations, retail sales and worldwide marketing.
Jeff Jones, president and CEO of H&R Block, says in a statement: ‘I am thrilled to have Dara as a partner and member of our senior leadership team. She brings a wealth of experience in leading good governance, driving strategic negotiations and navigating complex legal and regulatory matters. Her expertise and leadership will be the perfect addition as we continue on our transformation journey.’
Gerke has been general counsel and chief administrative officer for H&R Block since 2012, leading the company’s legal and government relations functions in addition to its tax institute. During his time with H&R Block, he has been involved in important developments such as winding down the company’s subprime mortgage subsidiary, selling its bank and the formation of its current bank product relationships.
He was also interim CEO during part of 2017 and oversaw the company’s human resources department from 2016 to 2018. According to the company, Gerke is a director for Consolidated Communications Holdings and MGP Ingredients, and plans to focus his future leadership efforts as a board member.
Jones adds in the announcement: ‘Tom has provided strong leadership and strategic counsel to H&R Block over the past decade and was an invaluable partner to me. He has guided the company through important transactions, key litigation matters and significant strategic transitions in the company’s history. We all wish him the very best.’
Ben Maiden
Ben Maiden is the editor-at-large of Governance Intelligence, an IR Media publication, having joined the company in December 2016. He is based in New York. Ben was previously managing editor of Compliance Reporter, covering regulatory and compliance...
