(Reuters) - Tax preparer H&R Block Inc (HRB.N) named former Uber [UBER.UL] executive Jeff Jones as its president and chief executive, effective Oct. 9.

Jones was most recently president of ride sharing at Uber. Before that, he served on retailer Target Corp's (TGT.N) executive leadership team from 2012 to 2016.

Jones, a marketing expert, was one of the several top-level executives to quit Uber as the ride hailing company battled multiple controversies, including workplace sexual harassment.

At Target, Jones was the chief marketing officer and is credited with modernizing the retailer's brand.

Jones will replace interim CEO Tom Gerke at H&R Block. Gerke will remain as general counsel and chief administrative officer. (http://bit.ly/2vkKZN4)

Gerke took over as interim CEO in May, when the company announced the retirement of the then CEO Bill Cobb.

(Reporting By Aparajita Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)