NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THINK450 – the innovation engine of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) charged with bringing inspiration, growth and cultural influence to the global marketplace through an authentic connection to NBA players – today announced the formation of its first Board of Directors. The Board will advise the THINK450 staff as they establish a wide variety of off-court opportunities for NBA players.
The THINK450 Board includes four outside directors with a wealth of experience across multiple industries – Leo Hindery Jr., Charles D. King, Raymond J. McGuire and Lisa Wardell. NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts, THINK450 President Jordan Schlachter, and THINK450 General Counsel Clarence Nesbitt will also be on the THINK450 Board.
“Our players have many interests beyond basketball, so having access to Lisa, Ray, Charles and Leo – and their incredibly diverse backgrounds and strategic vision – will be an invaluable resource,” said Schlachter. “On behalf of the THINK450 team and our players, I’d like to welcome them to the family as we create an innovative business engine for all 450 current players and those who will join us in the future.”
Hindery brings to the Board deep relationships and experience in the fields of media, entertainment and technology. He founded and has led multiple successful companies across a wide range of industries and currently is the Managing Partner of InterMedia Partners. Prior positions include:
- Founding Chairman & CEO, Yankees Entertainment & Sports (YES) Network
- Founding Chairman & CEO, GlobalCenter, Inc.
- President & CEO, AT&T Broadband
- President, Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI) and Liberty Media
Hindery received his undergraduate degree from Seattle University and an MBA from Stanford University.
King is the founder and CEO of MACRO, a leading media brand representing the voice and perspective of persons of color. MACRO, which co-financed “Fences” and “Mudbound,” creates and finances film, television, digital content, technologies and brands that are driven by people of color that encompass universal themes to which all people can connect and relate. Prior positions include:
- Partner and motion picture agent at William Morris Endeavor
- Legal departments at MTV and AOL
King is a member of many boards and committees including The Sundance Institute Board of Trustees. He received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from Howard University School of Law.
McGuire has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, and currently is the Global Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Citi. Prior positions include:
- Global Co-head of Mergers and Acquisitions, Morgan Stanley
- Managing Director, Mergers and Acquisitions, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
McGuire serves on several non-profit boards, including the Citi Foundation. He received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, MBA from Harvard Business School and law degree from Harvard Law School.
Wardell is the President & CEO of Adtalem Global Education, a leading global education provider. She is currently the only African-American female CEO in the Fortune 1000. Prior to Adtalem, Wardell spent more than 12 years in senior leadership at RLJ companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, overseeing investments across sports, automotive, real estate and other industries. Prior positions include:
- Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the RLJ Companies
- Principal, Katalyst Venture Partners
- Senior Consultant, Accenture
Wardell is a member of the Board of Directors for Lowe’s Home Improvement, a Fortune 50 company, as well as The Business Council and the Executive Leadership Council. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and her law degree from Stanford Law School. She earned her master’s degree in finance and entrepreneurial management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist them in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court.
ABOUT THINK450
THINK450 is the innovation engine of the NBPA, charged with creating disruptive and substantive business relationships for the most marketable athletes on the planet. THINK450 represents every current NBA player and works with leading companies and brands across all industries to help its members capitalize on growth opportunities in the content, marketing, technology, and licensing arenas – among others. For more information, please visit THINK450.com.
