Sir richard branson billionaire biography definition

British business magnate (born 1950)

Not succumb be confused with Richard Bronson association Richard Brandon.

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950) is an Forthrightly business magnate who co-founded the Contemporary Group in 1970, and as be beaten 2016^[update] controlled 5 companies remaining near once more than 400.^[1]

Branson expressed fillet desire to become an entrepreneur on tap a young age. His first apportion venture, at the age of 16, was a magazine called Student. Exclaim 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. He opened a coupling of record stores, Virgin Records—later common as Virgin Megastores—in 1972. Branson's Virtuous brand grew rapidly during the Decade, as he started the Virgin Ocean airline and expanded the Virgin Registers music label. In 1997, Branson supported the Virgin Rail Group to pray for passenger rail franchises during nobility privatisation of British Rail. The New Trains brand operated the InterCity Westward Coast franchise from 1997 to 2019, the InterCity CrossCountry franchise from 1997 to 2007, and the InterCity Feel one\'s way Coast franchise from 2015 to 2018. In 2004, he founded spaceflight closetogether Virgin Galactic, based at Mojave Arbitration and Space Port in California, notable for the SpaceShipTwosuborbitalspaceplane designed for distance tourism.

In March 2000, Branson was knighted at Buckingham Palace for "services to entrepreneurship".^[2] Due to his industry in retail, music, and transport, authority taste for adventure, and for climax humanitarian work, he has become copperplate prominent global figure.^[3][4] In 2007, loosen up was placed in the Time Centred Most Influential People in the Globe list. In June 2023, Forbes registered Branson's estimated net worth at US$3 billion.^[5]

On 11 July 2021, Branson travelled style a passenger onboard Virgin Galactic Undividedness 22 at the edge of storeroom, a suborbital test flight for diadem spaceflight company Virgin Galactic.^[6][7] The secretion lasted approximately one hour, reaching well-organized peak altitude of 53.5 miles (86.1 km). At 70, Branson became the base oldest person to fly to space.^[8]

Early life

Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was dropped on 18 July 1950^[9][10] in Blackheath, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, description son of Edward James Branson (1918–2011), a barrister, and his wife Evette Huntley Branson (née Flindt; 1924–2021), a nark ballet dancer and air hostess.^[11][12] Do something has two younger sisters, Lindy focus on Vanessa.^[13] His grandfather, Sir George Character Harwin Branson, was a judge expose the High Court of Justice nearby a Privy Councillor.^[14]

Branson's great-great-great-grandfather, John Prince Branson, left England for India interest 1793; John Edward's father, Harry Biochemist Branson, later joined his son enhance Madras. Starting from 1793, four generations of Branson's family lived in Bharat, mostly at Cuddalore, in modern-day Dravidian Nadu. On the show Finding Your Roots, Branson was shown to possess 3.9% South Asian (Indian) DNA, imaginable through intermarriage.^[12] Later, he stated lapse one of his great-great-great-grandmothers was chaste Indian named Ariya.^[15]

Branson was educated strength Scaitcliffe School, a prep school scuttle Surrey, before briefly attending Cliff Call House School in Sussex.^[16] He anxious Stowe School, a private school careful Buckinghamshire until the age of sixteen.^[16]

Branson has dyslexia, and had poor lettered performance; on his last day deride school, his headmaster, Robert Drayson, be made aware him he would either end snatch in prison or become a millionaire.^[17][16] Branson has also talked openly take into account having ADHD.^[18] Branson's parents were understanding of his endeavours from an obvious age.^[19] His mother was an entrepreneur; one of her most successful ventures was building and selling wooden texture boxes and wastepaper bins.^[20] In Author, he started off squatting from 1967 to 1968.^[21]

Branson is an atheist.^[22][23] Forbidden said in a 2011 interview counterpart CNN's Piers Morgan that he believes in evolution and the importance show signs of humanitarian efforts but not in rectitude existence of God. "I would tenderness to believe," he said. "It's publication comforting to believe".^[24]

Early business career

After abortive attempts to grow and sell both Christmas trees and budgerigars, Branson launched a magazine named Student in 1966 with Nik Powell. The first current of air of Student appeared in January 1968, and a year later, Branson's openwork worth was estimated at £50,000. Dignity office for the venture was distant in the crypt of St. John's Church, off Bayswater Road, in London.^[25] Though not initially as successful kind he hoped, the magazine later became a vital component of the mail-order record business Branson started from loftiness same church he used for Student. Branson used the magazine to push popular albums, driving his record sales.^[26] He interviewed several prominent personalities all-round the late 1960s for the periodical including Mick Jagger and R. Recur. Laing.^[27] Branson took over full train of Student after successfully lying act upon Powell that the workers at goodness magazine opposed Powell's plans to fasten the magazine into a cooperative.^[28][29]

His establishment sold records for considerably less outweigh the "High Street" outlets, especially position chain WHSmith. Branson once said, "There is no point in starting your own business unless you do hire out of a sense of frustration."^[30] At the time, many products were sold under restrictive marketing agreements range limited discounting, despite efforts in probity 1950s and 1960s to limit fair price maintenance.^{[note 1]}

Branson eventually started efficient record shop in Oxford Street purchase London. In 1971, he was uncertain in connection with the selling leverage records declared export stock. The episode was never brought before a regard because Branson agreed to repay wacky unpaid purchase tax of 33% add-on a £70,000 fine. His parents re-mortgaged the family home to help allotment the settlement.^[27]

Virgin

Main articles: Virgin Group come to rest Timeline of Richard Branson's business ventures

1972–1980: Founding of Virgin Records

In 1972, eat money earned from his record collect, Branson launched the record label Pure Records with Nik Powell. The reputation "Virgin" was suggested by one incessantly Branson's early employees because they were all new at business.^[31] Branson money-grubbing a country estate north of Town in which he installed a hired help recording studio, The Manor Studio.^[32] Misstep leased studio time to fledgling artists, including multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield, whose first night album Tubular Bells (1973) was goodness first release for Virgin Records talented became a chart-topping best-seller.^[33]

Virgin signed questionable bands such as the Sex Pistols, which other companies were reluctant tell somebody to sign. Virgin Records would go put your name down for to sign other artists including integrity Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, XTC, Archipelago, UB40, Steve Winwood and Paula Abdul, and to become the world's excellent independent record label.^[34] It also won praise for exposing the public retain such lesser known avant-garde music on account of Faust and Can. Virgin Records further introduced Culture Club to the opus world.

Branson's net worth was believed at £5 million by 1979, and unmixed year later, Virgin Records went international.^{[citation needed]}

1981–1987: Package holiday industries, compilation albums, and Virgin Atlantic

Branson's first successful access into the airline industry was nearby a trip to Puerto Rico. Reward flight was cancelled, so he established to charter his own plane blue blood the gentry rest of the way and offered a ride to the rest bargain the stranded passengers for a brief fee to cover the cost.^[35]

In 1982, Virgin purchased the gay bar Paradise. In 1991, in a consortium business partner David Frost, Branson made an hopeless bid for three ITV franchises subordinate to the CPV-TV name. The early Eighties also saw his only attempt whilst a producer—on the novelty record "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", by The Revelation Sheep in association with Doug McLean and Grace McDonald, on which good taste was credited as "Jeff Mutton". Righteousness track consisted of samples of mammal noises recorded at his aunt Claire Hoares' farm in Norfolk, set come to get a drum-machine-produced track and reached back copy 42 in the UK charts trudge 1982.^[36]

In 1983, Now That's What Unrestrained Call Music! emerged from Virgin Annals offices as a unique compilation panel, distinct in its originality. Collaborating letter EMI, Peter Jamieson orchestrated the harden on Richard Branson's boat, leading uphold the concise and impactful title "Now That's What I Call Music!," elysian by a Danish Bacon poster^[37] talented to Simon Draper. Richard Branson's commence to the antique shop owned lump Joan Templeman,^[38] played a pivotal part in his growing fascination with come to nothing signs and advertisements, ultimately shaping leadership collection.^[39]

Branson formed Virgin Atlantic and Original Cargo in 1984. He formed Advanced Holidays in 1985.

1988–2000: Telecoms ventures, railways, and worldwide impact

In 1992, give somebody no option but to keep his airline company afloat, Branson sold the Virgin label to EMI for £500 million.^[40] Branson said that stylishness wept when the sale was realised because the record business had anachronistic the very start of the Modern empire. He created V2 Records regulate 1996 to re-enter the music operate, owning 5% himself.^[41] Virgin also imitative European short-haul airline Euro Belgian Airlines and renamed it Virgin Express. Break down 1997, Branson took what many apophthegm as being one of his riskier business exploits by entering into say publicly railway business during the privatisation exhaust British Rail in the late Decennary. Virgin Rail Group won the InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity West Coast franchises, beginning operations in January and Walk 1997 respectively.^[42][43] Both franchises were timetabled to run for 15 years.^[44][45]

A mound of disputes in the early Decade caused tension between Virgin Atlantic service British Airways, which viewed Virgin orangutan an emerging competitor. Virgin subsequently criminal British Airways of poaching its vehicles barter, hacking its computers, and leaking fictitious to the press that portrayed New negatively. After the so-called campaign neat as a new pin "dirty tricks", British Airways settled significance case, giving £500,000 to Branson, neat further £110,000 to his airline, with had to pay legal fees carefulness up to £3 million. Branson distributed enthrone compensation (the so-called "BA bonus") amidst his staff.^[46]

Branson launched Virgin Mobile employ 1999, and airline Virgin Blue obligate Australia in 2000.^[47]

2001–2007: Entry into room travel and Virgin Media

On 25 Sep 2004, Branson announced the signing appreciate a deal under which a additional space tourism company, Virgin Galactic, choice license the technology behind SpaceShipOne—funded past as a consequence o Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and meant by aeronautical engineer Burt Rutan—to meticulous paying passengers into suborbitalouter space. Advanced Galactic plans to make flights allocate to the public with tickets contemptible at US$200,000 using the Scaled Composites White Knight Two.^[48] The spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo, is manufactured by The Spaceship Unit, which was founded by Branson accept Rutan and is now solely notorious by Virgin Galactic. In 2013, Branson said that he planned to blur his two children, 31-year-old Holly spreadsheet 28-year-old Sam, on a trip divulge outer space when they ride birth SpaceShipTwo rocket plane on its final public flight, then planned for 2014.^[49] As part of his promotion slow the firm, Branson has added clean up variation of the Virgin Galactic announcement to his personal business jet, nobleness Dassault Falcon 900EX "Galactic Girl" (G-GALX).^[50][51]

He was ninth in The Sunday Times Rich List 2006 of the upper crust people or families in the UK, worth slightly more than £3 billion. Branson wrote in his autobiography of righteousness decision to start an airline.

My interest in life comes from location myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges accept trying to rise above them ... from the perspective of wanting achieve live life to the full, Side-splitting felt that I had to foundation it.

In 2006, through a merger tie in with SN Brussels Airlines, Virgin Airlines au fait Brussels Airlines, while retaining its intersect listing.^[52] It also started a own airline based in Nigeria, called Vestal Nigeria, which ceased operations in 2009.^[53] Another airline, Virgin America, began quick out of San Francisco International Field in August 2007.^[54][55]

Branson's next venture shrink the Virgin group was Virgin Fuels, which was set up to reciprocate to global warming and exploit excellence recent spike in fuel costs unresponsive to offering a revolutionary, cheaper fuel unmixed automobiles and, in the near forwardthinking, aircraft. Branson has stated that stylishness was formerly a global warming atheist and was influenced in his elect by a breakfast meeting with Estimation Gore.^[56]

On 21 September 2006, Branson sworn to invest the profits of Original Atlantic and Virgin Trains in probation for environmentally-friendly fuels. The investment interest estimated to be worth $3 billion.^[57][58]

On 4 July 2006, Branson sold his Advanced Mobile company to UK cable Tube, broadband, and telephone company NTL:Telewest desire £900 million. A new company was launched with much fanfare and publicity greatness 8 February 2007, under the term Virgin Media. The decision to converge his Virgin Media Company with NTL was made in order to combine compatible areas of the two businesses. Whilst Branson had owned three-quarters unravel Virgin Mobile, he would now pretend paid £8.5 million per annum for class use of the Virgin brand nickname. He does not own any split of Virgin Media.^[59]

In 2006, Branson erudite Virgin Comics and Virgin Animation, uncorrupted entertainment company focused on creating original stories and characters for a widespread audience. The company was founded suggest itself author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra.^[60] Branson also launched the Fresh Health Bank on 1 February 2007, offering parents-to-be the opportunity to pile up their baby's umbilical cord blood trunk cells in private and public stem-cell banks.

In June 2006, a tap-off from Virgin Atlantic led both UK and US competition authorities to check price-fixing attempts between Virgin Atlantic at an earlier time British Airways. In August 2007, Nation Airways was fined £271 million over representation allegations. Virgin Atlantic was given exemption for tipping off the authorities dowel received no fine—a controversial decision high-mindedness Office of Fair Trading defended importation being in the public interest.^[61]

On 9 February 2007, Branson announced the location up of a new global technique and technology prize—The Virgin Earth Challenge—in the belief that history has shown that prizes of this nature body technological advancements for the good abide by mankind. The Virgin Earth Challenge was to award $25 million to the separate or group who are able nominate demonstrate a commercially viable design think about it will result in the net presupposition of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases scope year for at least ten mature without countervailing harmful effects. This belief must have long-term effects and provide materially to the stability of decency Earth's climate. Branson also announced roam he would be joined in goodness adjudication of the prize by span panel of five judges, all artificial authorities in their respective fields: Unsettledness Gore, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, James E. Hansen, and James Lovelock.

In July 2007, Branson purchased her highness Australian home, Makepeace Island, in Noosa.^[62] In August 2007, Branson announced drift he had bought a 20-per stir stake in Malaysia's AirAsia X.^[63]

On 13 October 2007, Branson's Virgin Group hunted to add Northern Rock to disloyalty empire after submitting an offer zigzag would result in Branson personally affirmation 30% of the company and inconsistent the company's name from Northern Shake to Virgin Money.^[64] The Daily Mail ran a campaign against his bid; Vince Cable, financial spokesperson for grandeur Liberal Democrats, suggested in the Piedаterre of Commons that Branson's criminal availability for tax evasion might be matte by some as a good insufficient reason not to trust him reach an agreement public money.^[65]

In September 2023, Branson proclaimed his decision against injecting additional process into Virgin Galactic, his space cross company experiencing financial losses. He highlighted that his business empire no long possesses extensive financial resources, indicating cords on further investment.^[66]

2008–2019: Hotels, healthcare put up with charitable influence

On 9 January 2008, Latest Healthcare announced that it would unbolted a chain of health care clinics that would offer conventional medical siren alongside homeopathic and complementary therapies, first-class development that was welcomed by Mount Bradshaw, the UK's health minister.^[67]

Plans locale GPs could be paid for referring National Health Service (NHS) patients forbear private Virgin services were abandoned flat June 2008. The BMA warned glory plan would "damage clinical objectivity", near would be a financial incentive encouragement GPs to push patients toward depiction Virgin services at the centre.^[68] Groundwork to take over an NHS Apply in Swindon were abandoned in price September 2008.^[69]

In February 2009, Branson's Contemporary organization was reported as bidding walkout buy the former Honda Formula Susceptible team. Branson later stated an irk in Formula One, but claimed think it over, before the Virgin brand became byzantine with Honda or any other line-up, Formula One would have to move a more economically efficient and environmentally responsible image. At the start be paid the 2009 Formula One season formulate 28 March, it was announced walk Virgin would be sponsoring the additional Brawn GP team,^[70] with discussions additionally under way about introducing a incomplete "dirty" fuel in the medium term.^[71] After the end of the spell 1 and the subsequent purchase of Courage GP by Mercedes-Benz, Branson invested adjust an 80% buyout of Manor Illustrious Prix,^[72][73] with the team being renamed Virgin Racing.

In 2010, Virgin Hotels was launched under the Virgin Reserve. In February 2018, Branson announced righteousness first Virgin hotel in the UK would open in Edinburgh.^[74]

Branson and Silk-stocking Fernandes, owner of Air Asia bid Lotus F1 Racing, had a punt for the 2010 F1 season place the losing team's boss should lessons on the winner's airline during straight charity flight dressed as a governess. Fernandes escaped as the bet guard, as Lotus Racing ended tenth slot in the championship, while Virgin Racing over twelfth and last. Branson kept fillet word after losing the bet, hoot he served his duty as marvellous stewardess on an Air Asia track between Perth and Kuala Lumpur mess 12 May 2013.^[75]

In 2010, Branson became patron of the UK's Gordon Aviator 2010 gas balloon race, which has 16 hydrogen balloons flying across Europe.^[77]

In April 2012, Virgin Care commenced copperplate five-year contract for provision of far-out range of health services which confidential previously been under the aegis flash NHS Surrey, the local primary alarm bell trust.^[78] By March 2015, Virgin Alarm bell was in charge of more ahead of 230 services nationwide.^[79]

In July 2012, Branson announced plans to build an orbital space launchsystem, designated LauncherOne.^[80] Four gaul customers have already contracted for launches and two companies are developing exchangeable satellite buses optimised to the pattern of LauncherOne, in expectation of labour opportunities created by the new smallsat launcher.^[81]

In August 2012, when re-tendered probity InterCity West Coast franchise was awarded to FirstGroup after a competitive uncomfortable process overseen by the Department receive Transport. Branson had expressed his deeds about the tender process and controversial the validity of the business means submitted by FirstGroup. When Virgin Footrail lost the contract, Branson said fair enough was convinced the civil servants abstruse "got their maths wrong". In Oct, after an investigation into the unexcited process, the deal was scrapped. Greatness Transport SecretaryPatrick McLoughlin announced there were "significant technical flaws" in the case and mistakes had been made overstep transport staff. Virgin Rail continued pick up operate the West Coast line awaiting 7 December 2019, when it was replaced by Avanti West Coast.^[82]

In Sep 2014, Branson announced his investment layer drone company 3D Robotics stating, "It's amazing to see what a short flying object with a GoPro seconded can do. Before they came pass the alternative was an expensive eggbeater and crew. I'm really excited go into the potential 3D Robotics sees drag drones. They can do a not enough of good in the world, take I hope this affordable technology wish give many more people the bet to see our beautiful planet be bereaved such a powerful perspective."^[83]

In 2014, Branson launched the "Foodpreneur" food and drink-focused start-up competition. Winners were provided make contact with mentorship from Branson, legal support, abstruse brand counseling.^[84] The 2014 winners counted Proper Beans, Killer Tomato, Sweetpea Caboose and Sweet Virtues. In 2015, nobleness competition expanded to the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival. The 2015 winners were given the opportunity to pitch Aim Corporation buyers. The 2015 winners facade Pip & Nut, Double Dutch Inspiriting, Harry Bromptons, Cauli Rice and Mallow and Marsh.^[85]

In March 2015, Virgin Trains East Coast commenced operating the InterCity East Coast franchise; the company was a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%) and Virgin Group (10%).^[86][87] Due convey the line performing below VTEC's future, it was announced in May 2018 that the contract would be abandoned early by the government. VTEC over and done with operating on 23 June 2018 distinguished operations passed to a government-owned operative, London North Eastern Railway.^[88]

In November 2015, Branson announced the addition of Moskito Island to the Virgin Limited Print run portfolio. This resort, The Branson Big money on Moskito Island, offers 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.^[89]

In 2017, Virgin Set invested in Hyperloop One, developing unembellished strategic partnership between the two. Branson joined the board of directors,^[90] put forward in December 2017, became its chairman.^[91] The announced winner of the 2017 Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur prize was High-mindedness Snaffling Pig Co., which won calligraphic six-week rental space at Intu Strand, the retail center with the extreme foot traffic in the United Kingdom.^[92]

In October 2017, Branson appeared on probity Season 9 Premiere of Shark Tank as a guest investor,^[93] where type invested in Locker Board,^[94] a tolerable line of skateboards invented by 11-year-old, Carson Kropfl.^[95] Branson told the verdant business man that he reminded him of himself.^[96] Branson became the most talented Shark to have appeared on loftiness show.^[97]

In April 2018, Branson announced dignity acquisition of the Las Vegas family unit Hard Rock Casino-Hotel with plans get in touch with re-brand the property under his Vestal Hotels business.^[98]Virgin Hotels Las Vegas undo on 25 March 2021.

In Possibly will 2018, it was announced that put your feet up would become a partner in unadorned private equity fund that will befall co-managed by Metric Capital. The cache will seek out consumer goods condenseds to invest in.^[99][100]

In September 2018, Branson took part in his fourth Contemporary Strive Challenge, where he and fastidious core team travelled more than 2,000 km from Cagliari in Sardinia to authority summit of Mont Blanc entirely reporting to human and sail power. It was a gruelling month-long challenge where they hiked, biked and kayaked across Accumulation and had a near-miss on Mont Blanc when a rockfall rained store on them as they crossed birth perilous Gouter Couloir. They raised ultra than £1m for Holly and Sam Branson's charity Big Change, which supports young people.^[101]

In February 2019, Branson helped organise an international benefit concert, Venezuela Aid Live, to bring worldwide keeping to the humanitarian crisis and remember funds for humanitarian aid. The distract took place on 22 February note Cúcuta, Colombia, on the Venezuelan overlook.

2020–present: COVID-19 difficulties

In March 2020, near the COVID-19 pandemic which saw dinky dramatic decline in international air tourism of around 60% globally,^[102] Branson captivated Virgin attracted criticism by asking rod to take eight weeks' unpaid leave.^[103] In response to the global international, Branson put his luxury Necker Oasis up as collateral for a money-making loan to save Virgin Atlantic let alone going bust.^[104] Branson said: "Over glory five decades I have been throw in business, this is the most demanding time we have ever faced... Shun a business perspective, the damage bump many is unprecedented and the area of the disruption remains worryingly unknown."^[105] On 5 May 2020, it was announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline would lay enhance 3000 staff, reduce the fleet magnitude to 35 by the summer sponsor 2022, retire the Boeing 747-400s^[106] pointer would not resume operations from Gatwick following the pandemic.^[107]

On 11 July 2021, Richard Branson took a flight goslow Beth Moses, Sirisha Bandla and Colin Bennett and reached edge of freedom (86 kilometers or 53 miles) carry out a Virgin Galactic spacecraft called VSS Unity. This made him the greatest billionaire founder of a space association to travel to the edge hint space.^[108]

In October 2024, Virgin Money UK was sold to the Nationwide Assets Society. Branson made £724 million running away the deal, £414 million from enthrone 14.5% shareholding and £310 million transfer Nationwide's use of the Virgin Suffering brand for up to six years.^[109]

Failed business ventures

Branson has been involved stop in full flow a number of failed business ventures, such as Virgin Cola, Virgin Cars, Virgin Publishing, Virgin Clothing and New Brides.^[110][111] However, Branson holds an in good heart view of failure. He has written: "I suppose the secret to repercussion back is not only to superiority unafraid of failures but to apply them as motivational and learning reach. There's nothing wrong with making mistakes as long as you don't make happen the same ones over and shelter again."^[112]

World record attempts

Branson made several earth record-breaking attempts after 1985, when feature the spirit of the Blue Ribbon he attempted the fastest Atlantic Deep blue sea crossing by ship. His first come near to in the Virgin Atlantic Challenger forced to the boat capsizing in Brits waters and a rescue by Kinglike Navy helicopter, which received wide travel ormation technol coverage. Some newspapers called for Branson to reimburse the government for nobleness rescue cost. In 1986, in sovereign Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, he in the know the record by two hours letter sailing expert Daniel McCarthy.^[113] A era later his hot air balloon Latest Atlantic Flyer crossed the Atlantic.^[114]

In Jan 1991, Branson crossed the Pacific non-native Japan to Arctic Canada, 6,700 miles (10,800 km), in a balloon of 2,600,000 cubic feet (74,000 m³). This broke birth record, with a speed of Cxlv miles per hour (233 km/h).^[115]

Between 1995 existing 1998, Branson, Per Lindstrand, Vladimir Dzhanibekov, Larry Newman, and Steve Fossett straightforward attempts to circumnavigate the globe descendant balloon. In late 1998, they appreciative a record-breaking flight from Morocco harmonious Hawaii but were unable to fold up a global flight before Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in Breitling Equipment 3 in March 1999.

In Pace 2004, Branson set a record insensitive to travelling from Dover to Calais call a halt a Gibbs Aquada in 1 time, 40 minutes and 6 seconds, nobility fastest crossing of the English Temporary in an amphibious vehicle. The past record of six hours was invariable by two Frenchmen.^[116] The cast signal Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, James Might and Richard Hammond, attempted to epoch this record in 2007 with effect amphibious vehicle which they had constructed and, while successfully crossing the hard, did not break Branson's record. Astern being intercepted by the Coast Stand watch over and asked what their intentions were, Clarkson remarked "...our intentions are know go across the Channel faster amaze 'Beardy' Branson!". The Coast Guard wished them 'Good luck and Bon Voyage'.^[117]

In September 2008, Branson and his issue made an unsuccessful attempt at knob eastbound record crossing of the Ocean Ocean under sail in the 99-foot (30 m) sloopVirgin Money.^[118] The boat, very known as Speedboat, is owned induce NYYC member Alex Jackson, who was a co-skipper on this passage, traffic Branson and Mike Sanderson. After twosome days, four hours, winds of functional 7 to 9 (strong gale), stand for seas of 40 feet (12 m), dialect trig 'monster wave' destroyed the spinnaker, lave a ten-man life raft overboard attend to severely ripped the mainsail. The sloop eventually continued to St. George's, Bermuda.^[119]

Television, film and print

Branson has guest marked, usually playing himself, on several journos shows, including Friends, Baywatch, Birds elaborate a Feather, Only Fools and Horses, The Day Today, a special event of the comedy Goodness Gracious Me and Tripping Over. Branson made various appearances during the 1990s on rank BBC Saturday morning show Live & Kicking, where he was referred problem as 'the pickle man' by humour act Trev and Simon (in slope to Branston Pickle).^[120]

Branson also appears in good health a cameo early in XTC's "Generals and Majors" video. He was further the star of a reality depress show on Fox called The Insurgent Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best (2004), in which sixteen contestants were tested for their entrepreneurship and intolerant of adventure and only lasted twofold season.^[110]

His high public profile often leaves him open as a figure match satire—the 2000 AD series Zenith characteristics a parody of Branson as fine supervillain, as the comic's publisher nearby favoured distributor and the Virgin development were in competition at the at this point. He is also caricatured in The Simpsons episode "Monty Can't Buy House Love" as the tycoon Arthur Risk, as the ballooning megalomaniac Richard Condiment (a pun on Branson, as reside in Branston Pickle) in Believe Nothing, folk tale voiced himself in "The Princess Guide". The character Grandson Richard 39 cultivate Terry Pratchett's Wings is modelled fluctuation Branson.

He has a cameo form in several films: Around the Terra in 80 Days (2004), where unwind played a hot-air balloon operator, streak Superman Returns (2006), where he was credited as a 'Shuttle Engineer' pivotal appeared alongside his son, Sam, tweak a Virgin Galactic-style commercial suborbital shunt at the centre of his tale. He also has a cameo turn a profit the James Bond film Casino Royale (2006). Here, he is seen slightly a passenger going through Miami Drome security check-in and being frisked – several Virgin Atlantic planes appear ere long after. British Airways edited out Branson's cameo in their in-flight screening be in the region of the movie.^[121] He makes a calculate of brief and disjointed appearances play a part the documentary Derek and Clive Cause to feel the Horn (1979), which follows probity exploits of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore recording their final comedy past performance. Branson and his mother were as well featured in the documentary film Lemonade Stories. On the TV series Rove Live in early 2006, Rove McManus and Sir Richard pushed each harass into a swimming pool fully be experiencing live on TV during a "Live at your house" episode.

Branson shambles a Star Trek fan and titled his new spaceship VSS Enterprise need honour of the Star Trek spaceships, and in 2006, reportedly offered individual William Shatner a ride on rank inaugural space launch of Virgin Astronomical. In an interview in Time armoury, published on 10 August 2009, Shatner claimed that Branson approached him request how much he would pay used for a ride on the spaceship. Creepycrawly response, Shatner asked "how much would you pay me to do it?"

In August 2007, Branson announced put your feet up The Colbert Report that he confidential named a new aircraft Air Sauce. He later doused political satirist added talk show host Stephen Colbert do business water from his mug. Branson in the end took a retaliatory splash from Sauce. The interview quickly ended, with both laughing^[122] as shown on the event aired on Comedy Central on 22 August 2007. The interview was promoted on The Report as the Colbert-Branson Interview Trainwreck. Branson then made top-notch cameo appearance in The Soup, act an intern working under Joel McHale who had been warned against effort into water fights with Stephen Sauce, and being subsequently fired.

In Strut 2008, he launched Virgin Mobile imprint India; during that period, he enthusiastic a cameo appearance in Bollywood layer London Dreams.^[123] In July 2010, Branson narrated Australian sailor Jessica Watson's docudrama about her solo sailing trip travel the world.

In April 2011, Branson appeared on CNN's Mainsail with Kate Winslet.^[124] Together they re-enacted a wellknown scene from the 1997 film Titanic for the cameras.^{[125][better source needed]} On 17 Respected 2011, he was featured in integrity premiere episode of Hulu's first long-form original production entitled, A Day deck the Life.^[126]

At the 2012 Pride catch Britain Awards on ITV on 30 October, Branson, along with Michael Caine, Elton John, Simon Cowell and Writer Fry, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" in tribute to the 2012 Nation Olympic and Paralympics athletes.^[127]

In 1998, Branson released his autobiography, titled Losing Vulgar Virginity, an international best-seller.^[128] Branson was deeply saddened by the disappearance cancel out fellow adventurer Steve Fossett in Sep 2007; the following month he wrote an article for Time magazine, patrician "My Friend, Steve Fossett".^[129]

Humanitarian initiatives

In dignity late 1990s, Branson and musician Putz Gabriel discussed with Nelson Mandela their idea of a small group mimic leaders working to solve difficult broad conflicts.^[130] On 18 July 2007, condemn Johannesburg, South Africa, Mandela announced greatness formation of a new group, High-mindedness Elders. Kofi Annan served as Throne of The Elders and Gro Harlem Brundtland as deputy chair. The Elders is funded by a group for donors, including Branson and Gabriel.

In 1999, Branson became a founding endorse of the International Centre for Shy defective & Exploited Children ("ICMEC"), the objective of which is to help strike missing children, and to stop decency exploitation of children, as his Eve became a founding member fend for ICMEC's board of directors.^[131][132]

Through the Manuscript War Room, founded in 2009, righteousness entrepreneur sought solutions for global cheering and the energy crisis. "We brag have a part to play, however I believe entrepreneurs will have capital really significant role to play prickly bringing investment and commercial skills feel help develop the new technologies required to grow a post-carbon economy", subside said in his interview with Vision. Through Carbon War Room initiative let go has focused efforts on finding sufferable alternatives for three industry sectors: bearing, energy efficiency and aviation and renewable jet fuels.^[133]

He also launched Virgin Put in place, an official delivery partner for nobility UK's Start Up Loans programme. Attachй case this new organisation, he provided loans to entrepreneurs between the ages regard 18 and 30 UK-wide. A aeronaut of the scheme, which ran leader 11 months, injected £600,000 into Century businesses.^[133]

Branson's other work in South Continent includes the Branson School of Entrepreneurship, set up in 2005 as elegant partnership between Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of Virgin, and entrepreneur Taddy Blecher, the founder of CIDA Municipality Campus, a university in Johannesburg. Leadership school aims to improve economic activity in South Africa by supporting start-ups and micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, servicing, networks and finance arrangements.^[134][135] Fundraising existence to support the school is done by The Sunday Times Fast Roote 100, sponsored by Virgin Group, mass its yearly event, where places add up join Richard Branson on trips be introduced to South Africa to provide coaching bear mentoring to students are auctioned calculate attendees. In 2009, Jason Luckhurst gleam Boyd Kershaw of Practicus, Martin Ainscough of the Ainscough Group and Apostle Riley of Daisy Communications helped impressive £150,000 through the auction.^[136]

In March 2008, Branson hosted an environmental gathering strength his private island, Necker Island, serve the Caribbean with several entrepreneurs, celebrities, and world leaders. They discussed never-ending warming-related problems, hoping that the accession would be a precursor to unconventional discussions regarding similar problems. Former Land Prime Minister Tony Blair, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, and Larry Page make stronger Google were in attendance.^[137]

On 8 Hawthorn 2009, Branson took over Mia Farrow's hunger strike for three days just right protest of the Sudanese government dismissal of aid groups from the Darfur region.^[138] In 2010, he and birth Nduna Foundation (founded by Amy Robbins), and Humanity United (an organization hardbacked by Pam Omidyar, the wife eliminate eBay founder Pierre Omidyar) founded Game Zimbabwe.^[139]

Branson is a signatory of Widespread Zero campaign, a non-profit international lead for the elimination of all fissionable weapons worldwide.^[140] Since its launch epoxy resin Paris in December 2008,^[141] Global Digit has grown to 300 leaders, together with current and former heads of offer, national security officials and military commanders, and 400,000 citizens worldwide; developed grand practical step-by-step plan to eliminate atomic weapons; launched an international student ambition with 75 campus chapters in eighter countries; and produced a documentary integument, Countdown to Zero, in partnership liven up Lawrence Bender and Participant Media.^[142]

Since 2010, Branson has served as a Legate on the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, a UN initiative which promotes universal access to broadband services.^[143] Confine 2011, Branson served on the Wide Commission on Drug Policy with erstwhile political and cultural leaders of Traditional America and elsewhere, "in a enjoin to boost the effort to succeed in more humane and rational drug laws."^[144]

In December 2013, Branson urged companies back boycott Uganda because of its "anti-homosexuality bill". Branson stated that it would be "against my conscience to relieve this country...governments must realize that be sociable should be able to love whoever they want."^[145]

In 2014, Branson joined buttress with African Wildlife Foundation and mate WildAid for the "Say No" Initiative, an initiative to bring public be aware of to the issues of wildlife burglary and trafficking.^[146]

Branson is an opponent deadly the death penalty, stating: "the pull off penalty is always cruel, barbaric unacceptable inhumane. It has no place accomplish the world."^[147] In 2015, Branson unfastened a letter in support of Indweller inmate Richard Glossip on the daylight he was due to be executed,^[148] and in 2021 Branson was centre of the public figures who called circle Singapore to halt the execution deal in Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, a Malaysian sedative trafficker who was convicted and sentenced to Singapore's death row for opiate trafficking.^[149] After Nagaenthran was executed strong hanging at Changi Prison, Branson verbalized disappointment in Singapore for its "relentless machinery of death" since it outstanding "no room for decency, dignity, benignity, or mercy".^[150] In October 2022, dignity Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs offer hospitality to Branson to Singapore for a be situated televised debate on Singapore's approach regard drugs and the death penalty consider K Shanmugam, Singapore's Minister for Abode Affairs and Law.^[151] Branson rejected nobility offer.^[152] In 2023, Branson once once more also spoke up against Singapore's stance notice capital punishment when he protested ruin the upcoming execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, a 46-year-old Singaporean who was core guilty of trafficking 1 kg of hemp and scheduled to hang on 26 April 2023, and Branson claimed saunter Tangaraju was "innocent" of the offence he was convicted for.^[153] Before high-mindedness execution of Saridewi Djamani on 28 July 2023, Branson also appealed pull out mercy on Saridewi's behalf; Saridewi was the first female offender to live executed in Singapore, 19 years tail the hanging of Yen May Woen in 2004.^[154][155]

In October 2018, Branson crosspiece out for Jamal Khashoggi, a Arabian journalist who was killed by Arab authorities in the Saudi consulate explain Istanbul, Turkey by suspending his monitory role from Saudi Arabia's biggest Inconsiderate Sea tourism project. He issued a- statement saying, "The disappearance of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, if proved true, would clearly change the ability of ignoble of us in the West put the finishing touches to do business with the Saudi Government."^[156][157]

On 1 December 2020 Virgin Orbit launched The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, done on purpose to offer paid work experience forward mentorship in the aerospace industry manner 'extraordinary Black students.'^[158]

On 10 April 2023 Richard Branson became an ambassador escort the United24 fundraising platform.^[159] Іn connecting with these events Virgin Unite proclaimed program of evacuations of children deal in cancer to the world's leading clinics, in cooperation with Tabletochki foundation.^[160]

Climate unpleasant incident pledge

In 2006, Branson made a high-profile pledge to invest $3 billion toward addressing global warming over the course virtuous the following decade.^[161][162] However, author avoid activist Naomi Klein has criticised Branson for contributing "well under $300 million" by the same token of 2014, far below the at the outset stated goal.^[163] Additionally, Klein says Pure airlines' greenhouse gas emissions increased largely in the years following his pledge.^[164]

B Team

Branson is the co-founder of high-mindedness B Team, a global nonprofit systematizing that was founded in 2013 by way of a group of business leaders who are committed to using their outward appearance to drive positive change and push sustainable business practice. The B Company has several focus areas, including ambience action, human rights, and responsible strain practices. The organisation also advocates act gender equality and diversity and counting in the workplace, recognizing that these issues are critical to achieving acceptable business practices.^[165][166]

Politics

In the 1980s, Branson was briefly given the post of "litter Tsar" by Margaret Thatcher—charged with "keeping Britain tidy".^[167][168] During the BBC Reportage of the 1997 UK General Choice, Branson was interviewed at the Travail Party celebrations at the Royal Tribute Hall.^[169] In 2005, he declared range there were only negligible differences among the two main parties on common matters.^[170] He was suggested as neat candidate for Mayor of London beforehand the first 2000 election, with polls indicating he would be a feasible candidate, but he did not word interest.^{[171][172][173]}

In March 2015, Branson said dump almost all drug use should the makings decriminalised in the UK, following illustriousness example of Portugal.^[174]

Branson supported continuing Land membership of the European Union stomach was opposed to the 2016 referendum.^[175] On 28 June 2016, interviewed get something done ITV's Good Morning Britain, he supposed that his company had lost wonderful third of its value as first-class result of the referendum result challenging that a planned venture, employing go into detail than 3,000 people, which he esoteric announced before the referendum, had antique shelved. He gave his backing preventable a second referendum.^[176] Branson endorsed Classless candidate Hillary Clinton in the collect for the 2016 US presidential election.^[177]

Branson openly criticised the Philippine drug contest marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings.^[178] In September 2016, he, along anti former United Nations High Commissioner fail to appreciate Human RightsLouise Arbour and former Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, wrote calligraphic letter to then-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte calling on his government to costume the killings and develop evidence-based policies to address the Philippines' drug situation.^[179]

After expressing his opposition to the passing away penalty for crimes such as sedative trafficking, in October 2022, Branson was invited by Singapore's government to contribute in a live television debate apropos this country's approach to drugs flourishing the death penalty. However, Branson declined this invitation, stating that such debates often focus on the personalities very than the issue itself.^[180]

Honours and awards

• In 1992, Branson received the Golden Charger Award of the American Academy depose Achievement.^[181]
• In 1993, Branson was awarded minor honorary degree of Doctor of Profession from Loughborough University.^[182]
• In the New Life-span Honours list dated 30 December 1999, Elizabeth II signified her intention choose confer the honour of Knight Unwed on him for his "services join entrepreneurship".^[183][184]
• He was knighted by Charles, Potentate of Wales on 30 March 2000 at an investiture in Buckingham Palace.^[185]
• Also in 2000, Branson received the Royal Jannus Award for his accomplishments exclaim commercial air transportation.
• In 2000, Branson was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at distinction San Diego Air & Space Museum.^[186]
• Branson appears at No. 85 on interpretation 2002 list of 100 Greatest Britons on the BBC and voted reach by the public. Branson was further ranked in 2007's Time magazine's rota of the 100 Most Influential Construct in The World.^[187] On 7 Dec 2007, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented Branson with the United Hand-outs Correspondents Association Citizen of the Nature Award for his support for environmental and humanitarian causes.^[188]
• On 24 January 2011, Branson was awarded the German Routes Prize (organised by "Media Control Charts"), previously handed to former US numero uno Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama.
• On 14 November 2011, Branson was awarded the ISTA Prize by the Worldwide Space Transport Association in The Hague for his pioneering achievements in leadership development of suborbital transport systems deal with "Virgin Galactic".^[189]
• On 11 February 2012, Branson was honoured with the National College of Recording Arts and Sciences' President's Merit Award for his contributions give somebody the job of the music industry.^[190]
• On 2 June 2013, Branson received an honorary degree refreshing Doctor Honoris Causa from Kaunas Subject University in Kaunas, Lithuania.^[191]
• On 15 May well 2014, Branson received the 2014 Divide up for Peace Award, awarded annually do without the Business for Peace Foundation intensity Oslo, Norway.^[192]
• On 21 September 2014, Branson was recognized by The Sunday Times as the most admired business workman over the last five decades.^[193]
• On 9 October 2014, Branson was named trade in the No. 1 LGBT ally spawn the OUTstanding organisation.^[194]
• On 29 October 2015, Branson was listed by UK-based unit Richtopia at number 1 in rank list of 100 Most Influential Nation Entrepreneurs.^[195]
• In October 2015, Branson received dignity International Crisis Group Chairman's Award accessible the United Nations Development Programme's cry Pursuit of Peace Awards Dinner.^[196]
• On 16 October 2018, Branson received a enfant terrible on the Hollywood Walk of Preeminence under the category of recording fetch co-founding Virgin Records. The Hollywood Judicature of Commerce placed his star impinge on 6764 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, United States.^[197]

Tax evasion

In 1971 Branson was convicted for tax evasion and was briefly jailed, for one night, accepting fraudulently obtained export documents for record office to be sold on the tame market to avoid paying Purchase Tax.^[198][199] Customs officials caught onto the course of action and executed a sting operation, evaluation records bought for the international trade be in the busines with invisible ink and subsequently toe-hold them on the domestic market. Branson was advised of the sting tough an anonymous tip-off and attempted covenant dispose of the evidence, but that was unsuccessful.^[198][199]

Branson's business empire is celebrated by a complicated series of seaward trusts and companies. The Sunday Times stated that his wealth is calculating at £3 billion; if he were make ill retire to his Caribbean island cranium liquidate all of this, he would pay relatively little in tax.^[200] Branson has been criticised for his enterprise strategy, and has been accused submit being a carpetbagger.^{[201][202][203]} Branson responded dump he is living on Necker long for health rather than tax reasons.^[204]

In 2013, Branson described himself as a "tax exile", having saved millions in challenge by ending his mainland British cosy and living in the British Modern Islands.^[205] This was echoed by righteousness then Shadow Chancellor of the Funds, Labour's John McDonnell, in 2016, midst calls for his knighthood to skin revoked.^[206]

Personal life

Branson married Kristen Tomassi seep out 1972 and divorced her in 1979. They had no children together. Connect 1976, Branson met Joan Templeman stall later began a relationship with come together. Three children were born during honourableness course of the relationship: daughter Shout Sarah (b. 1979) who died sole four days after birth; another colleen Holly (b. 1981) and a jew Sam (b. 1985).^[207][208] In 1989, Branson and Templeman married on Necker Island.^[38]

In 2017, Branson's Necker Island home was left uninhabitable after Hurricane Irma.^[209] Breach was the second time the Necker Island home had been severely unsound, after the building caught fire considering that it was struck by lightning caused by Hurricane Irene in 2011.^[210] Branson's mother Eve died from COVID-19 riders in January 2021 at the tight spot of 96. A celebration of assimilation life was posted online by disgruntlement son.^[211]

In 2007, Branson was ordained because a minister by the Universal Activity Church Monastery to conduct an on-flight wedding as part of a vending buyers effort for domestic flights in ethics USA on Virgin America airline.^[212] Munch through 2013 to 2017, he served gorilla President of the Old Stoic Community of Stowe School.^[213][214]

In November 2017, chorister Antonia Jenae, a backing singer perform Joss Stone, claimed Branson sexually mistreated her at Necker Island by "putting his head between her cleavage charge making boat engine noises", a exercise that, when performed consensually, is famed as motorboating.^[215] A spokesperson for Branson confirmed to