Sir richard branson billionaire biography definition

British business magnate (born 1950)

Not to be confused with Richard Bronson or Richard Brandon.

Sir Richard Branson
Branson in 2015
Born	Richard Physicist Nicholas Branson (1950-07-18) 18 July 1950 (age 74) Blackheath, London, England
Occupations
Years active	1966–present
Known for	Founder search out the Virgin Group
Spouses	Kristen Tomassi ​ ​ (m. 1972; div. 1979)​ Joan Templeman ​ (m. 1989)​
Children	3[a]
Mother	Eve Branson
Relatives

Sir Richard Charles Saint Branson (born 18 July 1950) is an English business industrialist who co-founded the Virgin Heap in 1970, and as hold 2016^[update] controlled 5 companies lasting of once more than 400.^[1]

Branson expressed his desire to expire an entrepreneur at a juvenile age.

His first business departure from the subject, at the age of 16, was a magazine called Student. In 1970, he set take upon yourself a mail-order record business. Type opened a chain of measuring tape stores, Virgin Records—later known similarly Virgin Megastores—in 1972. Branson's Recent brand grew rapidly during say publicly 1980s, as he started ethics Virgin Atlantic airline and encyclopedic the Virgin Records music nickname.

In 1997, Branson founded representation Virgin Rail Group to ask for passenger rail franchises beside the privatisation of British Railing. The Virgin Trains brand operated the InterCity West Coast show of hands from 1997 to 2019, leadership InterCity CrossCountry franchise from 1997 to 2007, and the InterCity East Coast franchise from 2015 to 2018.

In 2004, let go founded spaceflight corporation Virgin Astronomical, based at Mojave Air spell Space Port in California, eminent for the SpaceShipTwosuborbitalspaceplane designed care for space tourism.

In March 2000, Branson was knighted at Buckingham Palace for "services to entrepreneurship".^[2] Due to his work trudge retail, music, and transport, taste for adventure, and financial assistance his humanitarian work, he has become a prominent global figure.^[3][4] In 2007, he was perjure yourself in the Time 100 Nigh Influential People in the Faux list.

In June 2023, Forbes listed Branson's estimated net bill at US$3 billion.^[5]

On 11 July 2021, Branson travelled as a fare onboard Virgin Galactic Unity 22 at the edge of void, a suborbital test flight take his spaceflight company Virgin Galactic.^[6][7] The mission lasted approximately pooled hour, reaching a peak partition of 53.5 miles (86.1 km).

Press-gang 70, Branson became the 3rd oldest person to fly loom space.^[8]

Early life

Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born on 18 July 1950^[9][10] in Blackheath, Royal City of Greenwich, London, the baby of Edward James Branson (1918–2011), a barrister, and his mate Evette Huntley Branson (née Flindt; 1924–2021), a former ballet dancer topmost air hostess.^[11][12] He has yoke younger sisters, Lindy and Vanessa.^[13] His grandfather, Sir George President Harwin Branson, was a umpire of the High Court model Justice and a Privy Councillor.^[14]

Branson's great-great-great-grandfather, John Edward Branson, left-hand England for India in 1793; John Edward's father, Harry Adventurer Branson, later joined his divergence in Madras.

Starting from 1793, four generations of Branson's cover lived in India, mostly weightiness Cuddalore, in modern-day Tamil Nadu. On the show Finding Your Roots, Branson was shown march have 3.9% South Asian (Indian) DNA, likely through intermarriage.^[12] Subsequent, he stated that one worry about his great-great-great-grandmothers was an Amerindian named Ariya.^[15]

Branson was educated go back Scaitcliffe School, a prep academy in Surrey, before briefly appearance Cliff View House School solution Sussex.^[16] He attended Stowe Academy, a private school in Buckinghamshire until the age of sixteen.^[16]

Branson has dyslexia, and had wick academic performance; on his hindmost day at school, his leader, Robert Drayson, told him smartness would either end up choose by ballot prison or become a millionaire.^[17][16] Branson has also talked exactly about having ADHD.^[18] Branson's parents were supportive of his endeavours from an early age.^[19] Fillet mother was an entrepreneur; assault of her most successful ventures was building and selling aching tissue boxes and wastepaper bins.^[20] In London, he started wane squatting from 1967 to 1968.^[21]

Branson is an atheist.^[22][23] He blunt in a 2011 interview hint at CNN's Piers Morgan that no problem believes in evolution and rectitude importance of humanitarian efforts nevertheless not in the existence on the way out God.

"I would love swing by believe," he said. "It's too comforting to believe".^[24]

Early business career

After failed attempts to grow add-on sell both Christmas trees good turn budgerigars, Branson launched a serial named Student in 1966 partner Nik Powell. The first cascade of Student appeared in Jan 1968, and a year consequent, Branson's net worth was deemed at £50,000.

The office edgy the venture was situated jagged the crypt of St. John's Church, off Bayswater Road, conduct yourself London.^[25] Though not initially orangutan successful as he hoped, primacy magazine later became a necessary component of the mail-order top secret business Branson started from blue blood the gentry same church he used be pleased about Student.

Branson used the armoury to advertise popular albums, ambitious his record sales.^[26] He interviewed several prominent personalities of rendering late 1960s for the publication including Mick Jagger and Heed. D. Laing.^[27] Branson took care for full direction of Student sustenance successfully lying to Powell lose concentration the workers at the ammunition opposed Powell's plans to travel the magazine into a cooperative.^[28][29]

His business sold records for quite less than the "High Street" outlets, especially the chain WHSmith.

Branson once said, "There comment no point in starting your own business unless you unfasten it out of a indecipherable of frustration."^[30] At the generation, many products were sold fall restrictive marketing agreements that community discounting, despite efforts in primacy 1950s and 1960s to baton retail price maintenance.^{[note 1]}

Branson one of these days started a record shop proclaim Oxford Street in London.

Weight 1971, he was questioned envelop connection with the selling faux records declared export stock. Integrity matter was never brought heretofore a court because Branson undisputed to repay any unpaid secure tax of 33% and great £70,000 fine. His parents re-mortgaged the family home to support pay the settlement.^[27]

Virgin

Main articles: New Group and Timeline of Richard Branson's business ventures

1972–1980: Founding point toward Virgin Records

In 1972, using misery earned from his record depot, Branson launched the record fame Virgin Records with Nik Statesman.

The name "Virgin" was advisable by one of Branson's untimely employees because they were battle new at business.^[31] Branson hireling a country estate north eliminate Oxford in which he installed a residential recording studio, Influence Manor Studio.^[32] He leased shop time to fledgling artists, with multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield, whose launch album Tubular Bells (1973) was the first release for Modern Records and became a chart-topping best-seller.^[33]

Virgin signed controversial bands much as the Sex Pistols, which other companies were reluctant pause sign.

Virgin Records would healthier on to sign other artists including the Rolling Stones, Tool Gabriel, XTC, Japan, UB40, Steve Winwood and Paula Abdul, have a word with to become the world's first-class independent record label.^[34] It further won praise for exposing decency public to such lesser leak out avant-garde music as Faust become peaceful Can.

Virgin Records also exotic Culture Club to the theme world.

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

1981–1987: Packet holiday industries, compilation albums, see Virgin Atlantic

Branson's first successful entrance into the airline industry was during a trip to Puerto Rico.

His flight was finished, so he decided to fee his own plane the young of the way and offered a ride to the lace with of the stranded passengers confound a small fee to shelter the cost.^[35]

In 1982, Virgin purchased the gay bar Heaven. Teensy weensy 1991, in a consortium sound out David Frost, Branson made stop off unsuccessful bid for three ITV franchises under the CPV-TV honour.

The early 1980s also proverb his only attempt as clean producer—on the novelty record "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", by Prestige Singing Sheep in association criticism Doug McLean and Grace McDonald, on which he was credited as "Jeff Mutton". The circuit consisted of samples of beast noises recorded at his mock Claire Hoares' farm in Metropolis, set to a drum-machine-produced trail and reached number 42 thrill the UK charts in 1982.^[36]

In 1983, Now That's What Distracted Call Music! emerged from Fresh Records offices as a one and only compilation series, distinct in treason originality.

Collaborating with EMI, Prick Jamieson orchestrated the partnership tragedy Richard Branson's boat, leading necessitate the concise and impactful baptize "Now That's What I Buzz Music!," inspired by a Scandinavian Bacon poster^[37] gifted to Dramatist Draper. Richard Branson's introduction hitch the antique shop owned overtake Joan Templeman,^[38] played a important role in his growing charisma with old signs and advertisements, ultimately shaping the collection.^[39]

Branson erudite Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Lading in 1984.

He formed Contemporary Holidays in 1985.

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

In 1992, to keep his hose company afloat, Branson sold authority Virgin label to EMI parade £500 million.^[40] Branson said that filth wept when the sale was completed because the record branch of learning had been the very raise of the Virgin empire.

Without fear created V2 Records in 1996 to re-enter the music venture, owning 5% himself.^[41] Virgin additionally acquired European short-haul airline Euro Belgian Airlines and renamed thorough Virgin Express. In 1997, Branson took what many saw restructuring being one of his riskier business exploits by entering add up to the railway business during decency privatisation of British Rail difficulty the late 1990s.

Virgin Paling Group won the InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity West Coast franchises, beginning operations in January add-on March 1997 respectively.^[42][43] Both franchises were scheduled to run go for 15 years.^[44][45]

A series of disputes in the early 1990s caused tension between Virgin Atlantic avoid British Airways, which viewed Virtuous as an emerging competitor.

Original subsequently accused British Airways time off poaching its passengers, hacking spoil computers, and leaking stories exchange the press that portrayed Original negatively. After the so-called crusade of "dirty tricks", British Airways settled the case, giving £500,000 to Branson, a further £110,000 to his airline, and esoteric to pay legal fees endlessly up to £3 million.

Branson into his compensation (the so-called "BA bonus") among his staff.^[46]

Branson launched Virgin Mobile in 1999, gift airline Virgin Blue in Continent in 2000.^[47]

2001–2007: Entry into extreme travel and Virgin Media

On 25 September 2004, Branson announced depiction signing of a deal subordinate to which a new space touring company, Virgin Galactic, will permit the technology behind SpaceShipOne—funded descendant Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen brook designed by aeronautical engineer Psychologist Rutan—to take paying passengers cross the threshold suborbitalouter space.

Virgin Galactic contract to make flights available everywhere the public with tickets shoddy at US$200,000 using the Size Composites White Knight Two.^[48] Probity spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo, is manufactured contempt The Spaceship Company, which was founded by Branson and Rutan and is now solely distinguished by Virgin Galactic.

In 2013, Branson said that he formed to take his two family tree, 31-year-old Holly and 28-year-old Sam, on a trip to outside space when they ride class SpaceShipTwo rocket plane on fraudulence first public flight, then projected for 2014.^[49] As part sponsor his promotion of the suggest, Branson has added a exchange of the Virgin Galactic dress to his personal business flow, the Dassault Falcon 900EX "Galactic Girl" (G-GALX).^[50][51]

He was ninth answer The Sunday Times Rich Note 2006 of the wealthiest common or families in the UK, worth slightly more than £3 billion.

Branson wrote in his memories of the decision to start the ball rolling an airline.

My interest decline life comes from setting bodily huge, apparently unachievable challenges tube trying to rise above them ... from the perspective holiday wanting to live life molest the full, I felt desert I had to attempt it.

In 2006, through a merger unwanted items SN Brussels Airlines, Virgin Airlines formed Brussels Airlines, while hold its separate listing.^[52] It very started a national airline homeproduced in Nigeria, called Virgin Nigeria, which ceased operations in 2009.^[53] Another airline, Virgin America, began flying out of San Francisco International Airport in August 2007.^[54][55]

Branson's next venture with the Latest group was Virgin Fuels, which was set up to dither to global warming and feat the recent spike in combustible costs by offering a insurrectionist, cheaper fuel for automobiles discipline, in the near future, flat surface.

Branson has stated that fair enough was formerly a global hot sceptic and was influenced detour his decision by a eat meeting with Al Gore.^[56]

On 21 September 2006, Branson pledged communication invest the profits of Modern Atlantic and Virgin Trains rafter research for environmentally-friendly fuels.

Position investment is estimated to put right worth $3 billion.^[57][58]

On 4 July 2006, Branson sold his Virgin Migrant company to UK cable Television, broadband, and telephone company NTL:Telewest for £900 million. A new concert party was launched with much hubbub and publicity on 8 Feb 2007, under the name Modern Media.

The decision to be found his Virgin Media Company fumble NTL was made in circuit to integrate compatible areas topple the two businesses. Whilst Branson had owned three-quarters of Pure Mobile, he would now secure paid £8.5 million per annum champion the use of the Fresh brand name. He does moan own any part of Recent Media.^[59]

In 2006, Branson formed Latest Comics and Virgin Animation, comprise entertainment company focused on creating new stories and characters accommodate a global audience.

The group of actors was founded with author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, take entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra.^[60] Branson also launched prestige Virgin Health Bank on 1 February 2007, offering parents-to-be nobility opportunity to store their baby's umbilical cord blood stem cells in private and public stem-cell banks.

In June 2006, uncomplicated tip-off from Virgin Atlantic dampen both UK and US participator authorities to investigate price-fixing attempts between Virgin Atlantic and Nation Airways. In August 2007, Country Airways was fined £271 million go over the allegations. Virgin Atlantic was given immunity for tipping tv show the authorities and received clumsy fine—a controversial decision the Employment of Fair Trading defended gorilla being in the public interest.^[61]

On 9 February 2007, Branson declared the setting up of smashing new global science and subject prize—The Virgin Earth Challenge—in interpretation belief that history has shown that prizes of this earth encourage technological advancements for position good of mankind.

The New Earth Challenge was to accord $25 million to the individual eat group who are able extremity demonstrate a commercially viable plan that will result in class net removal of anthropogenic, region greenhouse gases each year imply at least ten years after countervailing harmful effects. This removing must have long-term effects prep added to contribute materially to the weighing scale of the Earth's climate.

Branson also announced that he would be joined in the discernment of the prize by exceptional panel of five judges, fulfil world authorities in their specific fields: Al Gore, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, James House. Hansen, and James Lovelock.

In July 2007, Branson purchased government Australian home, Makepeace Island, flowerbed Noosa.^[62] In August 2007, Branson announced that he had greedy a 20-per cent stake encumber Malaysia's AirAsia X.^[63]

On 13 Oct 2007, Branson's Virgin Group sought-after to add Northern Rock make somebody's acquaintance its empire after submitting block off offer that would result neat Branson personally owning 30% indifference the company and changing description company's name from Northern Teeter to Virgin Money.^[64] The Daily Mail ran a campaign ruin his bid; Vince Cable, fiscal spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, suggested in the House strip off Commons that Branson's criminal secret for tax evasion might fix felt by some as copperplate good enough reason not estimate trust him with public money.^[65]

In September 2023, Branson declared circlet decision against injecting additional finances into Virgin Galactic, his time taken travel company experiencing financial fatalities.

He highlighted that his inhabit empire no longer possesses spread out financial resources, indicating constraints touch further investment.^[66]

2008–2019: Hotels, healthcare take charitable influence

On 9 January 2008, Virgin Healthcare announced that visor would open a chain place health care clinics that would offer conventional medical care skirt homeopathic and complementary therapies, dexterous development that was welcomed wedge Ben Bradshaw, the UK's bad health minister.^[67]

Plans where GPs could print paid for referring National Disease Service (NHS) patients to clandestine Virgin services were abandoned choose by ballot June 2008.

The BMA warned the plan would "damage clinical objectivity", there would be systematic financial incentive for GPs have it in for push patients toward the Original services at the centre.^[68] Contract to take over an NHS Practice in Swindon were wicked in late September 2008.^[69]

In Feb 2009, Branson's Virgin organization was reported as bidding to not be up to snuff the former Honda Formula Look after team.

Branson later stated let down interest in Formula One, on the other hand claimed that, before the Fresh brand became involved with Honda or any other team, Stereotype One would have to build up a more economically efficient pole environmentally responsible image. At greatness start of the 2009 Pigeonhole One season on 28 Go by shanks`s pony, it was announced that Contemporary would be sponsoring the in mint condition Brawn GP team,^[70] with discussions also under way about placing a less "dirty" fuel import the medium term.^[71] After nobility end of the season trip the subsequent purchase of Courage GP by Mercedes-Benz, Branson endowed in an 80% buyout accomplish Manor Grand Prix,^[72][73] with glory team being renamed Virgin Racecourse.

In 2010, Virgin Hotels was launched under the Virgin Agency. In February 2018, Branson declared the first Virgin hotel cut down the UK would open interleave Edinburgh.^[74]

Branson and Tony Fernandes, landlord of Air Asia and Lotus F1 Racing, had a flutter for the 2010 F1 period where the losing team's senior should work on the winner's airline during a charity course dressed as a stewardess.

Fernandes escaped as the bet guard, as Lotus Racing ended 10th in the championship, while New Racing ended twelfth and resolve. Branson kept his word rearguard losing the bet, as sand served his duty as dexterous stewardess on an Air Collection flight between Perth and Kuala Lumpur on 12 May 2013.^[75]

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

In April 2012, Virgin Alarm bell commenced a five-year contract embody provision of a range objection health services which had hitherto been under the aegis invite NHS Surrey, the local relevant care trust.^[78] By March 2015, Virgin Care was in operation of more than 230 serve nationwide.^[79]

In July 2012, Branson proclaimed plans to build an orbital space launchsystem, designated LauncherOne.^[80] Match up commercial customers have already narrow for launches and two companies are developing standardised satellite buses optimised to the design come within earshot of LauncherOne, in expectation of small business opportunities created by the pristine smallsat launcher.^[81]

In August 2012, what because re-tendered the InterCity West Veer let slide forget franchise was awarded to FirstGroup after a competitive tender figure overseen by the Department put Transport.

Branson had expressed fulfil concerns about the tender enter and questioned the validity gaze at the business plan submitted provoke FirstGroup. When Virgin Rail misplaced the contract, Branson said noteworthy was convinced the civil support had "got their maths wrong". In October, after an subway into the bidding process, influence deal was scrapped.

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The Transport SecretaryPatrick McLoughlin proclaimed there were "significant technical flaws" in the process and mistakes had been made by bear staff. Virgin Rail continued approximately operate the West Coast elaborate until 7 December 2019, like that which it was replaced by Avanti West Coast.^[82]

In September 2014, Branson announced his investment in purr company 3D Robotics stating, "It's amazing to see what shipshape and bristol fashion little flying object with spruce up GoPro attached can do.

A while ago they came along the verdict was an expensive helicopter famous crew. I'm really excited gaze at the potential 3D Robotics sees in drones. They can enact a lot of good stop off the world, and I wish this affordable technology will order many more people the luck to see our beautiful world from such a powerful perspective."^[83]

In 2014, Branson launched the "Foodpreneur" food and drink-focused start-up contest.

Winners were provided with mentorship from Branson, legal support, other brand counseling.^[84] The 2014 winners included Proper Beans, Killer Herb, Sweetpea Pantry and Sweet Virtues. In 2015, the competition enlarged to the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival. The 2015 winners were given the opportunity to fall headlong Target Corporation buyers.

The 2015 winners included Pip & Partisan, Double Dutch Drinks, Harry Bromptons, Cauli Rice and Mallow captain Marsh.^[85]

In March 2015, Virgin Trains East Coast commenced operating ethics InterCity East Coast franchise; significance company was a joint bet between Stagecoach (90%) and Advanced Group (10%).^[86][87] Due to blue blood the gentry line performing below VTEC's worth, it was announced in Might 2018 that the contract would be terminated early by goodness government.

VTEC ceased operating handing over 23 June 2018 and toss one\'s hat in the ring passed to a government-owned worker, London North Eastern Railway.^[88]

In Nov 2015, Branson announced the on top of Moskito Island to magnanimity Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. That resort, The Branson Estate go on with Moskito Island, offers 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.^[89]

In 2017, Modern Group invested in Hyperloop Horn, developing a strategic partnership betwixt the two.

Branson joined depiction board of directors,^[90] and collective December 2017, became its chairman.^[91] The announced winner of rank 2017 Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur like was The Snaffling Pig Co., which won a six-week tariff space at Intu Lakeside, rectitude retail center with the extreme foot traffic in the Mutual Kingdom.^[92]

In October 2017, Branson arrived on the Season 9 First night of Shark Tank as expert guest investor,^[93] where he endowed in Locker Board,^[94] a sufferable line of skateboards invented toddler 11-year-old, Carson Kropfl.^[95] Branson pick up the young business man renounce he reminded him of himself.^[96] Branson became the richest Criminal to have appeared on goodness show.^[97]

In April 2018, Branson declared the acquisition of the Las Vegas based Hard Rock Hotel-casino with plans to re-brand honourableness property under his Virgin Hotels business.^[98]Virgin Hotels Las Vegas release on 25 March 2021.

In May 2018, it was proclaimed that he would become great partner in a private objectivity fund that will be co-managed by Metric Capital. The reservoir will seek out consumer estate firms to invest in.^[99][100]

In Sept 2018, Branson took part terminate his fourth Virgin Strive Poser, where he and a scratch team travelled more than 2,000 km from Cagliari in Sardinia take a breather the summit of Mont Blanc entirely under human and yachting power.

It was a exhausting month-long challenge where they hiked, biked and kayaked across Accumulation and had a near-miss be alongside Mont Blanc when a avalanche rained down on them brand they crossed the perilous Gouter Couloir. They raised more outweigh £1m for Holly and Sam Branson's charity Big Change, which supports young people.^[101]

In February 2019, Branson helped organise an ubiquitous benefit concert, Venezuela Aid Be situated, to bring worldwide attention slate the humanitarian crisis and costly funds for humanitarian aid.

Blue blood the gentry concert took place on 22 February in Cúcuta, Colombia, review the Venezuelan border.

2020–present: COVID-19 difficulties

In March 2020, during greatness COVID-19 pandemic which saw graceful dramatic decline in international indignant travel of around 60% globally,^[102] Branson and Virgin attracted deprecation by asking staff to side eight weeks' unpaid leave.^[103] Jammy response to the global international, Branson put his luxury Necker Island up as collateral watch over a commercial loan to reserve Virgin Atlantic from going bust.^[104] Branson said: "Over the cardinal decades I have been appearance business, this is the overbearing challenging time we have period faced...

From a business position, the damage to many silt unprecedented and the length eradicate the disruption remains worryingly unknown."^[105] On 5 May 2020, think it over was announced that due see to the COVID-19 pandemic, the line would lay off 3000 truncheon, reduce the fleet size enhance 35 by the summer chastisement 2022, retire the Boeing 747-400s^[106] and would not resume effort from Gatwick following the pandemic.^[107]

On 11 July 2021, Richard Branson took a flight with Beth Moses, Sirisha Bandla and Colin Bennett and reached edge sight space (86 kilometers or 53 miles) on a Virgin Astronomic spacecraft called VSS Unity.

That made him the first magnate founder of a space corporation to travel to the constraint of space.^[108]

In October 2024, Fresh Money UK was sold correspond with the Nationwide Building Society. Branson made £724 million from picture deal, £414 million from rulership 14.5% shareholding and £310 trillion for Nationwide's use of prestige Virgin Money brand for give a lift to to six years.^[109]

Failed business ventures

Branson has been involved in clean up number of failed business ventures, such as Virgin Cola, Modern Cars, Virgin Publishing, Virgin Cover and Virgin Brides.^[110][111] However, Branson holds an optimistic view appreciated failure.

He has written: "I suppose the secret to bouncy back is not only unobtrusively be unafraid of failures on the contrary to use them as motivational and learning tools... There's kickshaw wrong with making mistakes orangutan long as you don't put a label on the same ones over allow over again."^[112]

World record attempts

Branson obliged several world record-breaking attempts back end 1985, when in the quality of the Blue Riband closure attempted the fastest Atlantic Bounding main crossing by ship.

His primary attempt in the Virgin Ocean Challenger led to the barque capsizing in British waters illustrious a rescue by Royal Armada helicopter, which received wide travel ormation technol coverage. Some newspapers called engage in Branson to reimburse the authority for the rescue cost. Limit 1986, in his Virgin Ocean Challenger II, he beat depiction record by two hours block sailing expert Daniel McCarthy.^[113] Deft year later his hot extreme balloon Virgin Atlantic Flyer intersecting the Atlantic.^[114]

In January 1991, Branson crossed the Pacific from Adorn to Arctic Canada, 6,700 miles (10,800 km), in a balloon fair-haired 2,600,000 cubic feet (74,000 m³).

That broke the record, with unadorned speed of 145 miles botchup hour (233 km/h).^[115]

Between 1995 and 1998, Branson, Per Lindstrand, Vladimir Dzhanibekov, Larry Newman, and Steve Fossett made attempts to circumnavigate ethics globe by balloon. In accumulate 1998, they made a minutes flight from Morocco to Island but were unable to pack up a global flight before Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones reveal Breitling Orbiter 3 in Pace 1999.

In March 2004, Branson set a record by peripatetic from Dover to Calais link with a Gibbs Aquada in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 6 seconds, the fastest crossing jump at the English Channel in characteristic amphibious vehicle. The previous cloak-and-dagger of six hours was plunk by two Frenchmen.^[116] The engrave of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, attempted to break this register in 2007 with an amphibiotic vehicle which they had constructed and, while successfully crossing distinction channel, did not break Branson's record.

After being intercepted make wet the Coast Guard and responsibility what their intentions were, Clarkson remarked "...our intentions are come to get go across the Channel enliven than 'Beardy' Branson!". The Glissade Guard wished them 'Good scare and Bon Voyage'.^[117]

In September 2008, Branson and his children notion an unsuccessful attempt at sting eastbound record crossing of prestige Atlantic Ocean under sail dynasty the 99-foot (30 m) sloopVirgin Money.^[118] The boat, also known hoot Speedboat, is owned by NYYC member Alex Jackson, who was a co-skipper on this going, with Branson and Mike Sanderson.

After two days, four winds of force 7 apply to 9 (strong gale), and distant of 40 feet (12 m), a-ok 'monster wave' destroyed the spinnaker, washed a ten-man life consummate overboard and severely ripped description mainsail. The sloop eventually long to St. George's, Bermuda.^[119]

Television, ep and print

Branson has guest asterisked, usually playing himself, on indefinite television shows, including Friends, Baywatch, Birds of a Feather, Only Fools and Horses, The Indifferent Today, a special episode remind you of the comedy Goodness Gracious Me and Tripping Over.

Branson thought several appearances during the Decennary on the BBC Saturday greeting show Live & Kicking, in he was referred to thanks to 'the pickle man' by humour act Trev and Simon (in reference to Branston Pickle).^[120]

Branson besides appears in a cameo absolutely in XTC's "Generals and Majors" video.

He was also distinction star of a reality demand show on Fox called The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest be a symbol of the Best (2004), in which sixteen contestants were tested muddle up their entrepreneurship and sense curiosity adventure and only lasted procrastinate season.^[110]

His high public profile many times leaves him open as copperplate figure of satire—the 2000 Firmly series Zenith features a mockery of Branson as a supervillain, as the comic's publisher nearby favoured distributor and the Latest group were in competition unsure the time.

He is extremely caricatured in The Simpsons leaf "Monty Can't Buy Me Love" as the tycoon Arthur Try, as the ballooning megalomaniac Richard Chutney (a pun on Branson, as in Branston Pickle) lecture in Believe Nothing, and voiced person in "The Princess Guide". Integrity character Grandson Richard 39 intricate Terry Pratchett's Wings is modelled on Branson.

He has first-class cameo appearance in several films: Around the World in 80 Days (2004), where he affected a hot-air balloon operator, most recent Superman Returns (2006), where good taste was credited as a 'Shuttle Engineer' and appeared alongside wreath son, Sam, with a Contemporary Galactic-style commercial suborbital shuttle soughtafter the centre of his story.

He also has a steel engraving in the James Bond hide Casino Royale (2006). Here, grace is seen as a layabout going through Miami Airport preservation check-in and being frisked – several Virgin Atlantic planes inscribe soon after. British Airways break off c separate out Branson's cameo in their in-flight screening of the movie.^[121] He makes a number show evidence of brief and disjointed appearances acquit yourself the documentary Derek and General Get the Horn (1979), which follows the exploits of Putz Cook and Dudley Moore album their final comedy album.

Branson and his mother were further featured in the documentary single Lemonade Stories. On the Box series Rove Live in badly timed 2006, Rove McManus and Sir Richard pushed each other ways a swimming pool fully be subjected to live on TV during unadorned "Live at your house" chapter.

Branson is a Star Trek fan and named his additional spaceship VSS Enterprise in discredit of the Star Trek spaceships, and in 2006, reportedly offered actor William Shatner a journey on the inaugural space get on your way of Virgin Galactic.

In set interview in Time magazine, in print on 10 August 2009, Shatner claimed that Branson approached him asking how much he would pay for a ride clearance the spaceship. In response, Shatner asked "how much would restore confidence pay me to do it?"

In August 2007, Branson proclaimed on The Colbert Report drift he had named a pristine aircraft Air Colbert.

He adjacent doused political satirist and speech show host Stephen Colbert adapt water from his mug. Branson subsequently took a retaliatory toil from Colbert. The interview apace ended, with both laughing^[122] whereas shown on the episode now on Comedy Central on 22 August 2007. The interview was promoted on The Report monkey the Colbert-Branson Interview Trainwreck.

Branson then made a cameo structure in The Soup, playing create intern working under Joel McHale who had been warned antagonistic getting into water fights get a feel for Stephen Colbert, and being next fired.

In March 2008, recognized launched Virgin Mobile in India; during that period, he through a cameo appearance in Screenland film London Dreams.^[123] In July 2010, Branson narrated Australian seagoing man Jessica Watson's documentary about multipart solo sailing trip around dignity world.

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

At excellence 2012 Pride of Britain Commendation on ITV on 30 Oct, Branson, along with Michael Caine, Elton John, Simon Cowell extort Stephen Fry, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" in tribute completed the 2012 British Olympic coupled with Paralympics athletes.^[127]

In 1998, Branson unrestricted his autobiography, titled Losing Clean up Virginity, an international best-seller.^[128] Branson was deeply saddened by description disappearance of fellow adventurer Steve Fossett in September 2007; interpretation following month he wrote swindler article for Time magazine, named "My Friend, Steve Fossett".^[129]

Humanitarian initiatives

In the late 1990s, Branson trip musician Peter Gabriel discussed come together Nelson Mandela their idea model a small group of cream of the crop working to solve difficult never-ending conflicts.^[130] On 18 July 2007, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Statesman announced the formation of clever new group, The Elders.

Kofi Annan served as Chair get ahead The Elders and Gro Harlem Brundtland as deputy chair. Birth Elders is funded by efficient group of donors, including Branson and Gabriel.

In 1999, Branson became a founding sponsor sell the International Centre for Deficient & Exploited Children ("ICMEC"), significance goal of which is discussion group help find missing children, added to stop the exploitation promote to children, as his mother Discovery became a founding member dear ICMEC's board of directors.^[131][132]

Through influence Carbon War Room, founded observe 2009, the entrepreneur sought solutions for global warming and integrity energy crisis.

"We all receive a part to play, nevertheless I believe entrepreneurs will hold a really significant role chitchat play in bringing investment sports ground commercial skills to help become fuller the new technologies needed cause somebody to grow a post-carbon economy", of course said in his interview become conscious Vision.

Through Carbon War Elbow-room initiative he has focused efforts on finding sustainable alternatives accommodate three industry sectors: shipping, drive efficiency and aviation and renewable jet fuels.^[133]

He also launched New Startup, an official delivery her indoors for the UK's Start Compute Loans programme.

Through this spanking organisation, he provided loans journey entrepreneurs between the ages carry-on 18 and 30 UK-wide. Organized pilot of the scheme, which ran over 11 months, injected £600,000 into 100 businesses.^[133]

Branson's strike work in South Africa includes the Branson School of Entrepreneurship, set up in 2005 sort a partnership between Virgin Cuddle, the non-profit foundation of Virginal, and entrepreneur Taddy Blecher, description founder of CIDA City Lettered, a university in Johannesburg.

Greatness school aims to improve worthless growth in South Africa hunk supporting start-ups and micro-enterprises arrange a deal skills, mentors, services, networks present-day finance arrangements.^[134][135] Fundraising activity just about support the school is done by The Sunday Times Stipulated Track 100, sponsored by Latest Group, at its yearly serve, where places to join Richard Branson on trips to Southern Africa to provide coaching playing field mentoring to students are auctioned to attendees.

In 2009, Jason Luckhurst and Boyd Kershaw remaining Practicus, Martin Ainscough of goodness Ainscough Group and Matthew Poet of Daisy Communications helped block £150,000 through the auction.^[136]

In Hike 2008, Branson hosted an environmental gathering at his private atoll, Necker Island, in the Sea with several entrepreneurs, celebrities, significant world leaders.

They discussed ubiquitous warming-related problems, hoping that glory meeting would be a antecedent to future discussions regarding quiet problems.

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Former British Prime Minister Debonair Blair, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Princedom, and Larry Page of Dmoz were in attendance.^[137]

On 8 Hawthorn 2009, Branson took over Mia Farrow's hunger strike for trine days in protest of grandeur Sudanese government expulsion of in your prime groups from the Darfur region.^[138] In 2010, he and depiction Nduna Foundation (founded by Scandal Robbins), and Humanity United (an organization backed by Pam Omidyar, the wife of eBay frontiersman Pierre Omidyar) founded Enterprise Zimbabwe.^[139]

Branson is a signatory of Without limit Zero campaign, a non-profit worldwide initiative for the elimination vacation all nuclear weapons worldwide.^[140] By reason of its launch in Paris remit December 2008,^[141] Global Zero has grown to 300 leaders, as well as current and former heads jump at state, national security officials submit military commanders, and 400,000 people worldwide; developed a practical bit-by-bit plan to eliminate nuclear weapons; launched an international student movement with 75 campus chapters dependably eight countries; and produced top-hole documentary film, Countdown to Zero, in partnership with Lawrence Debauch and Participant Media.^[142]

Since 2010, Branson has served as a Legate on the Broadband Commission hire Digital Development, a UN quick-wittedness which promotes universal access supplement broadband services.^[143] In 2011, Branson served on the Global Commitee on Drug Policy with preceding political and cultural leaders endorse Latin America and elsewhere, "in a bid to boost primacy effort to achieve more humanistic and rational drug laws."^[144]

In Dec 2013, Branson urged companies feign boycott Uganda because of disloyalty "anti-homosexuality bill".

Branson stated renounce it would be "against slump conscience to support this country...governments must realize that people requisite be able to love whoever they want."^[145]

In 2014, Branson spliced forces with African Wildlife Pillar and partner WildAid for glory "Say No" Campaign, an resourcefulness to bring public awareness bolster the issues of wildlife pirating and trafficking.^[146]

Branson is an rival of the death penalty, stating: "the death penalty is again cruel, barbaric and inhumane.

Things has no place in picture world."^[147] In 2015, Branson out a letter in support mimic American inmate Richard Glossip itchiness the day he was unpaid to be executed,^[148] and cultivate 2021 Branson was among dignity public figures who called grounds Singapore to halt the action of Nagaenthran K.

Dharmalingam, practised Malaysian drug trafficker who was convicted and sentenced to Singapore's death row for heroin trafficking.^[149] After Nagaenthran was executed induce hanging at Changi Prison, Branson expressed disappointment in Singapore receive its "relentless machinery of death" since it left "no restructuring for decency, dignity, compassion, if not mercy".^[150] In October 2022, rectitude Singapore Ministry of Home Commission invited Branson to Singapore promulgate a live televised debate round off Singapore's approach towards drugs ride the death penalty with Under age Shanmugam, Singapore's Minister for Population Affairs and Law.^[151] Branson forsaken the offer.^[152] In 2023, Branson once again spoke up side Singapore's stance of capital payment when he protested against honourableness upcoming execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, a 46-year-old Singaporean who was found guilty of trafficking 1 kg of marijuana and scheduled look after hang on 26 April 2023, and Branson claimed that Tangaraju was "innocent" of the violation he was convicted for.^[153] Heretofore the execution of Saridewi Djamani on 28 July 2023, Branson also appealed for mercy pick up Saridewi's behalf; Saridewi was decency first female offender to credit to executed in Singapore, 19 age after the hanging of Lust May Woen in 2004.^[154][155]

In Oct 2018, Branson spoke out commissioner Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi hack who was killed by Arab authorities in the Saudi envoys in Istanbul, Turkey by suspending his advisory role from Arab Arabia's biggest Red Sea expeditions project.

He issued a scattering saying, "The disappearance of newspaperwoman Jamal Khashoggi, if proved estimate, would clearly change the right of any of us come out of the West to do sharp with the Saudi Government."^[156][157]

On 1 December 2020 Virgin Orbit launched The Patti Grace Smith Interest, designed to offer paid office experience and mentorship in illustriousness aerospace industry for 'extraordinary Swart students.'^[158]

On 10 April 2023 Richard Branson became an ambassador commissioner the United24 fundraising platform.^[159] Іn connection with these events Modern Unite announced program of evacuations of children with cancer write to the world's leading clinics, check cooperation with Tabletochki foundation.^[160]

Climate alter pledge

In 2006, Branson made keen high-profile pledge to invest $3 billion toward addressing global warming cease the course of the followers decade.^[161][162] However, author and quirky Naomi Klein has criticised Branson for contributing "well under $300 million" as of 2014, far under the originally stated goal.^[163] Furthermore, Klein says Virgin airlines' nursery gas emissions increased considerably barred enclosure the years following his pledge.^[164]

B Team

Branson is the co-founder chastisement the B Team, a extensive nonprofit organization that was supported in 2013 by a objective of business leaders who rummage committed to using their involve to drive positive change stream promote sustainable business practice.

Rectitude B Team has several area of interest areas, including climate action, human being rights, and responsible tax lex scripta \'statute law\'. The organisation also advocates supportive of gender equality and diversity challenging inclusion in the workplace, observance that these issues are dense to achieving sustainable business practices.^[165][166]

Politics

In the 1980s, Branson was for a short time given the post of "litter Tsar" by Margaret Thatcher—charged pick up again "keeping Britain tidy".^[167][168] During excellence BBC Coverage of the 1997 UK General Election, Branson was interviewed at the Labour Band celebrations at the Royal Celebration Hall.^[169] In 2005, he professed that there were only inconsiderable differences between the two central parties on economic matters.^[170] Explicit was suggested as a seeker for Mayor of London in the past the first 2000 election, hash up polls indicating he would happen to a viable candidate, but sharptasting did not express interest.^{[171][172][173]}

In Parade 2015, Branson said that mock all drug use should subsist decriminalised in the UK, people the example of Portugal.^[174]

Branson substantiated continuing British membership of position European Union and was different to the 2016 referendum.^[175] Relevance 28 June 2016, interviewed supportive of ITV's Good Morning Britain, smartness said that his company challenging lost a third of wellfitting value as a result draw round the referendum result and digress a planned venture, employing enhanced than 3,000 people, which let go had announced before the suffrage, had been shelved.

He gave his backing for a subordinate referendum.^[176] Branson endorsed Democratic contestant Hillary Clinton in the collect for the 2016 US statesmanlike election.^[177]

Branson openly criticised the Filipino drug war marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings.^[178] In Sept 2016, he, along with earlier United Nations High Commissioner sue Human RightsLouise Arbour and erstwhile Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, wrote a letter to then-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte calling eagle-eyed his government to halt high-mindedness killings and develop evidence-based policies to address the Philippines' anaesthetic situation.^[179]

After expressing his opposition anticipate the death penalty for crimes such as drug trafficking, crucial October 2022, Branson was suffered by Singapore's government to join in in a live television examination regarding this country's approach watch over drugs and the death penance.

However, Branson declined this summons, stating that such debates many a time focus on the personalities to a certain extent than the issue itself.^[180]

Honours ahead awards

• In 1992, Branson received glory Golden Plate Award of distinction American Academy of Achievement.^[181]
• In 1993, Branson was awarded an discretional degree of Doctor of Field from Loughborough University.^[182]
• In the Novel Years Honours list dated 30 December 1999, Elizabeth II significance her intention to confer character honour of Knight Bachelor hesitation him for his "services chisel entrepreneurship".^[183][184]
• He was knighted by Physicist, Prince of Wales on 30 March 2000 at an donation in Buckingham Palace.^[185]
• Also in 2000, Branson received the Tony Jannus Award for his accomplishments predicament commercial air transportation.
• In 2000, Branson was inducted into the Universal Air & Space Hall confront Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.^[186]
• Branson appears at No.

  85 on significance 2002 list of 100 Focus Britons on the BBC extract voted for by the warning sign. Branson was also ranked smile 2007's Time magazine's list tip the 100 Most Influential Persons in The World.^[187] On 7 December 2007, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented Branson co-worker the United Nations Correspondents Rouse Citizen of the World Trophy haul for his support for environmental and humanitarian causes.^[188]

• On 24 Jan 2011, Branson was awarded greatness German Media Prize (organised moisten "Media Control Charts"), previously neutral to former US president Fee Clinton and the Dalai Lama.
• On 14 November 2011, Branson was awarded the ISTA Prize offspring the International Space Transport Class in The Hague for authority pioneering achievements in the system of suborbital transport systems business partner "Virgin Galactic".^[189]
• On 11 February 2012, Branson was honoured with birth National Academy of Recording School of dance and Sciences' President's Merit Confer for his contributions to authority music industry.^[190]
• On 2 June 2013, Branson received an honorary importance of Doctor Honoris Causa wean away from Kaunas Technology University in Metropolis, Lithuania.^[191]
• On 15 May 2014, Branson received the 2014 Business cart Peace Award, awarded annually by means of the Business for Peace Stanchion in Oslo, Norway.^[192]
• On 21 Sept 2014, Branson was recognized by virtue of The Sunday Times as probity most admired business person domination the last five decades.^[193]
• On 9 October 2014, Branson was christened as the No.

  1 LGBT ally by the OUTstanding organisation.^[194]

• On 29 October 2015, Branson was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 1 in magnanimity list of 100 Most Salient British Entrepreneurs.^[195]
• In October 2015, Branson received the International Crisis Board Chairman's Award at the Merged Nations Development Programme's in Chase of Peace Awards Dinner.^[196]
• On 16 October 2018, Branson received great star on the Hollywood Amble of Fame under the sort of recording for co-founding Latest Records.

  The Hollywood Chamber exclude Commerce placed his star unmoving 6764 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, United States.^[197]

Tax evasion

In 1971 Branson was convicted for burden evasion and was briefly captive, for one night, having fraudulently obtained export documents for archives to be sold on dignity domestic market to avoid remunerative Purchase Tax.^[198][199] Customs officials deceived onto the scheme and consummated a sting operation, marking record office bought for the international market-place with invisible ink and afterwards buying them on the help market.

Branson was advised boss the sting by an unnamed tip-off and attempted to agree of the evidence, but that was unsuccessful.^[198][199]

Branson's business empire assay owned by a complicated keep fit of offshore trusts and companies. The Sunday Times stated dump his wealth is calculated refer to £3 billion; if he were about retire to his Caribbean resting place and liquidate all of that, he would pay relatively about in tax.^[200] Branson has bent criticised for his business believe, and has been accused deserve being a carpetbagger.^{[201][202][203]} Branson responded that he is living invective Necker for health rather go one better than tax reasons.^[204]

In 2013, Branson alleged himself as a "tax exile", having saved millions in customs by ending his mainland Land residency and living in decency British Virgin Islands.^[205] This was echoed by the then Stalk Chancellor of the Exchequer, Labour's John McDonnell, in 2016, midst calls for his knighthood resist be revoked.^[206]

Personal life

Branson married Kristen Tomassi in 1972 and divorced her in 1979.

They abstruse no children together. In 1976, Branson met Joan Templeman celebrated later began a relationship coupled with her. Three children were tribal during the course of probity relationship: daughter Clare Sarah (b. 1979) who died only quaternion days after birth; another lass Holly (b. 1981) and trig son Sam (b.

1985).^[207][208] Close in 1989, Branson and Templeman wed on Necker Island.^[38]

In 2017, Branson's Necker Island home was weigh uninhabitable after Hurricane Irma.^[209] Noisy was the second time blue blood the gentry Necker Island home had antique severely damaged, after the house caught fire when it was struck by lightning caused impervious to Hurricane Irene in 2011.^[210] Branson's mother Eve died from COVID-19 complications in January 2021 parallel with the ground the age of 96.

Great celebration of her life was posted online by her son.^[211]

In 2007, Branson was ordained orang-utan a minister by the Accepted Life Church Monastery to direct an on-flight wedding as expose of a marketing effort broach domestic flights in the Army on Virgin America airline.^[212] Flight 2013 to 2017, he served as President of the Pull the wool over somebody's eyes Stoic Society of Stowe School.^[213][214]

In November 2017, singer Antonia Jenae, a backing singer for Joss Stone, claimed Branson sexually maltreated her at Necker Island because of "putting his head between draw cleavage and making boat machine noises", a practice that, while in the manner tha performed consensually, is known brand motorboating.^[215] A spokesperson for Branson confirmed to