Robert E. Marling Jr.
Robert E. Marling Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1956 |
| Occupation(s) | Banking professional, corporate leader |
| Years active | 1989–2015 |
| Known for | CEO of Woodforest National Bank (1990–2015) |
| Notable work | Expansion of Woodforest National Bank branches in Walmart locations |
Robert E. Marling Jr. (born circa 1956) is a prominent American banking professional and corporate leader. He held the position of CEO at Woodforest National Bank from 1990 until 2015 and was chairman from 2004 through 2015. During his tenure, the bank grew substantially, establishing 720 branches within Walmart locations and launching an additional 37 branches across 17 states.
Early life
Marling completed his high school education at Dobie High School in 1974.
Career
Before joining Woodforest National Bank, Marling worked with First City Bancorporation and Affiliated Computer Services, and served as chairman of Texas DCS. He became executive vice president at Woodforest in 1989 and ascended to CEO the following year. Marling was instrumental in pioneering the bank’s strategy of situating branches inside Walmart stores, beginning with the initial location in Conroe, Texas in 1996, which helped expand the bank’s footprint across numerous states.
In 2010, federal authorities imposed a $33 million penalty on the bank due to "unfair and deceptive practices" associated with overdraft fees. A Wall Street Journal report from 2014 highlighted that Marling focused on customers with subprime credit profiles, with overdraft and returned check charges representing 78% of the bank’s income. Marling stepped down in 2015, with Cathleen H. Nash succeeding him.
Philanthropy
Marling contributed his expertise as a board member for both the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Memorial Hermann Health System. He held leadership roles within the United Way of Montgomery County, Texas, serving as vice chairman in 2002 and chairman in 2003. In recognition of his community involvement, he received an award from the American Heart Association of Montgomery County in 2003 and was inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame by Sam Houston State University in 2015.
Political contributions
A notable supporter of Republican initiatives, Marling has donated $50,000 to the Club for Growth and more than $38,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee. His political contributions include $34,000 to Mitt Romney and $7,000 to Ted Cruz, encompassing Cruz’s 2016 presidential bid. In 2022, his firm Tranquil Path Investments Inc. gave $500,000 to a super PAC backing Donald J. Trump.
Personal life
Marling resides in The Woodlands, Texas with his wife Kimberly Ann Marling. The couple has three children.