Robert L. Johnson is an American businessman and investor of black ethnicity. He is best known as the founder of first ever black-owned cable tv company BET-Black Entertainment Television and The RLJ Companies. He is widely known as the ex-spouse of Sheila Johnson- CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts.
Robert L. Johnson Biography and Net Worth
| Net Worth $550 M |
| Full Name Robert Louis Johnson |
| Birth Date 8 April 1946 |
| Age 76 years |
| Birthplace Hickory, Mississippi, United States |
| Profession Entrepreneur, Investor, Business Executive |
| Zodiac Sign Aries |
| Spouse Lauren Wood, Sheila Johnson |
| Active Years 1979-Present |
Robert L. Johnson Early Life
Robert L. Johnson born on 8 April 1946 in Hickory, Mississippi, United States. His father, Archie Johnson was a farmer. His mother, Edna Johnson was a school teacher. He was ninth among ten siblings. He attended Freeport high school as an honors student. He got his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Later, acquired a master’s degree in public affairs from Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. After graduating, he moved to Washington DC to work as public affairs director in the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. It was the job that introduced him to the television industry. During that time, he also served as director of communication National Urban League’s Washington office. He worked several other jobs after that, until deciding to open his own business in 1979.
Robert L. Johnson Career
Johnson took a $15,000 loan and set out to launch his own business in 1979. He founded the first TV network aimed at African-Americans called Black Entertainment Television (BET) with ex-wife Sheila Johnson. BET became the first black-owned company on the New York Stock Exchange after its public opening. Johnson sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion with viewership in about 62.4 million homes at that time. Even after the deal, he held onto the role of president and CEO of the tv network until 2005. He is also the owner and chairman of asset management firm RLJ Companies, LLC. It is a holding company that invests in the field of hotel real estate, private equities, automobile dealerships, gaming, sports betting, and more. He purchased NBA Team Charlotte Bobcats becoming the first Black American to own a NBA team. He currently serves as the chairman of RLJ companies.
Robert L. Johnson Wife
Robert had two marriages, both ending in divorce. His first wife is famous American businesswoman Sheila Johnson. He got divorced in 2001 from her after a $400 million settlement. They have two children together. His second wife is Lauren wooden, whom he divorced in 2020.
Robert L. Johnson’s Net Worth
Robert L. Johnson has a net worth of approximately $550 million estimated as of year 2022. His main sources of income over the years are sales of his cable station and return on investments in different business ventures through asset firm RLJ. He earned salaries from serving as a member of multiple industrial boards. His net worth was increased after selling his stakes worth $275 million in the NBA team Charlotte Bobcats to Michael Jordan. His net worth took off dramatically to $1.3 billion after selling BET to Viacom for $3 billion. He was ranked the first African-American billionaire of 2001 because of the massive sales of his cable station BET.
Robert L. Johnson Body Features
| Height 5 ft 5 in |
| Weight 79 kg |
| Eye Color Black |
| Hair Color Black |
