FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Think Finance, a developer of next-generation financial products that help people manage life's everyday expenses, today announced the appointment of Robert L. Johnson to its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to formalize our long-standing relationship with Bob,” said Think Finance Chief Executive Officer Ken Rees. “He shares our strategic vision for developing new, innovative financial technology that provides better options for the underbanked. His vast experience across many industries, including financial services, will help us grow and evolve.”

Johnson is the founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, including RLJ Financial which markets innovative financial solutions for underserved consumer and business communities. The RLJ Companies is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Prior to forming The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the nation’s first and leading television network providing quality programming for the African American audience. Under his leadership, BET became the first African American-owned company publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2001, Johnson sold BET to Viacom for approximately $3 billion and remained the Chief Executive Officer through 2006. In July 2007, he was named by USA Today as one of the 25 most influential business leaders of the past 25 years.

“I have always been passionate about the need for financial solutions that meet the unique needs of underserved consumers,” Johnson said. “As a member of Think Finance’s Board of Directors, I look forward to helping the company further its mission of developing innovative and responsible financial products for consumers who are frequently ignored by the broader marketplace.”

In addition to Mr. Johnson’s board appointment, Kathy Boden Holland, the current president of RLJ Financial, will join Think Finance as executive vice president of corporate development. Ms. Boden Holland is an experienced executive and entrepreneur with a diverse background that includes leadership positions in banking, venture capital and consulting. Prior to her role at RLJ Financial, she was an executive vice president at Urban Trust Bank, responsible for establishing and building the National Products division. In addition, Ms. Boden Holland was a founding partner at Katalyst, LLC, a successful investment bank and consulting firm. She also held senior roles at Legg Mason Wood Walker, Deloitte Consulting and Bluehouse Capital LLC. Ms. Boden Holland received her undergraduate degree at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated cum laude. She received her MBA from the University of North Carolina, where she was a Dean’s Scholar.

About Think Finance

Think Finance is a leading developer of next-generation financial products for underbanked consumers. The company’s products provide increased convenience, transparency and value to the millions of consumers whose needs are not being met by traditional banking products. Think Finance is privately held, with offices in Fort Worth, Texas and the United Kingdom, and is backed by some of Silicon Valley's most respected venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital and Technology Crossover Ventures. To learn more, please visit www.ThinkFinance.com.

About The RLJ Companies

The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For additional information please visit: www.rljcompanies.com.