Robert E. Marling, Jr.

Robert E. Marling Jr. (born c. 1956) is an American banker and business executive. He served as the chief executive officer of the Woodforest National Bank from 1990 to 2015 and as its chairman from 2004 to 2015. During his tenure, he opened 720 branches in Walmart stores and 37 regular branches in 17 states.

Early life Robert E. Marling Jr. graduated from the Dobie High School in 1974.

Career Marling worked for the First City Bancorporation and Affiliated Computer Services. He also served as the chairman of Texas DCS. He served as its chief executive officer from 1990 to 2015, and as its chairman from 2004 to 2015. In 2014, an article in The Wall Street Journal explained that Marling welcomed clients with bad credit and that 78% of bank revenues came from overdraft and bounced check fees. Marling stepped down in 2015, and he was succeeded by Cathleen H. Nash. He also donated US$34,000 to Mitt Romney and US$7,000 to Ted Cruz, In 2021, Marling's company Tranquil Path Investments contributed $500,000 to a Super PAC for Donald Trump.

Marling was the largest donor to the offer to oust incumbent U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw, donating $675,000 to a Super PAC opposing Crenshaw. His donations constituted roughly two-thirds of the PAC's total spending, leading to Crenshaw losing renomination to Steve Toth.

Personal life Marling is married to Kimberly Ann Marling.