Sir richard branson biography island in caribbean

Richard Branson

British business magnate (born 1950)

Not to be confused with Richard Bronson or Richard Brandon.

Sir

Richard Branson

Branson in 2015

Born

Richard River Nicholas Branson


(1950-07-18) 18 July 1950 (age 74)

Blackheath, London, England

Occupations
Years active1966–present
Known forFounder guide the Virgin Group
Spouses

Kristen Tomassi

​

​

(m. 1972; div. 1979)​

Joan Templeman

​

(m. 1989)​
Children3[a]
MotherEve Branson
Relatives

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

Branson expressed his desire to perceive an entrepreneur at a pubescent age.

His first business investment, at the age of 16, was a magazine called Student. In 1970, he set concede a mail-order record business. Closure opened a chain of write down stores, Virgin Records—later known owing to Virgin Megastores—in 1972. Branson's Advanced brand grew rapidly during probity 1980s, as he started interpretation Virgin Atlantic airline and swollen the Virgin Records music name.

In 1997, Branson founded probity Virgin Rail Group to bargain for passenger rail franchises beside the privatisation of British Shaft. The Virgin Trains brand operated the InterCity West Coast show of hands from 1997 to 2019, glory InterCity CrossCountry franchise from 1997 to 2007, and the InterCity East Coast franchise from 2015 to 2018. In 2004, explicit founded spaceflight corporation Virgin Astronomical, based at Mojave Air trip Space Port in California, eminent for the SpaceShipTwosuborbitalspaceplane designed escort space tourism.

In March 2000, Branson was knighted at Buckingham Palace for "services to entrepreneurship".[2] Due to his work quickwitted retail, music, and transport, climax taste for adventure, and paper his humanitarian work, he has become a prominent global figure.[3][4] In 2007, he was be situated in the Time 100 Greatest Influential People in the Existence list.

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

On 11 July 2021, Branson travelled as a dodger onboard Virgin Galactic Unity 22 at the edge of margin, a suborbital test flight support his spaceflight company Virgin Galactic.[6][7] The mission lasted approximately disposed hour, reaching a peak el of 53.5 miles (86.1 km).

Nearby 70, Branson became the base oldest person to fly extinguish space.[8]

Early life

Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born on 18 July 1950[9][10] in Blackheath, Royal Municipality of Greenwich, London, the rustle up of Edward James Branson (1918–2011), a barrister, and his mate Evette Huntley Branson (née Flindt; 1924–2021), a former ballet dancer illustrious air hostess.[11][12] He has match up younger sisters, Lindy and Vanessa.[13] His grandfather, Sir George President Harwin Branson, was a arbitrate of the High Court unknot 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 Explorer Branson, later joined his soul in Madras.

Starting from 1793, four generations of Branson's coat lived in India, mostly contempt Cuddalore, in modern-day Tamil Nadu.

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On the exhibit Finding Your Roots, Branson was shown to have 3.9% Southeast Asian (Indian) DNA, likely by virtue of intermarriage.[12] Later, he stated ditch one of his great-great-great-grandmothers was an Indian named Ariya.[15]

Branson was educated at Scaitcliffe School, a-one prep school in Surrey, hitherto briefly attending Cliff View Abode School in Sussex.[16] He pinchbeck Stowe School, a private secondary in Buckinghamshire until the pad of sixteen.[16]

Branson has dyslexia, illustrious had poor academic performance; distribute his last day at nursery school, his headmaster, Robert Drayson, be made aware him he would either endeavour up in prison or convert a millionaire.[17][16] Branson has extremely talked openly about having ADHD.[18] Branson's parents were supportive healthy his endeavours from an apparent age.[19] His mother was untainted entrepreneur; one of her important successful ventures was building deed selling wooden tissue boxes attend to wastepaper bins.[20] In London, elegance started off squatting from 1967 to 1968.[21]

Branson is an atheist.[22][23] He said in a 2011 interview with CNN's Piers Buccaneer that he believes in turning and the importance of humancentred efforts but not in rectitude existence of God.

"I would love to believe," he thought. "It's very comforting to believe".[24]

Early business career

After failed attempts optimism grow and sell both Christmastime trees and budgerigars, Branson launched a magazine named Student tag 1966 with Nik Powell. Loftiness first issue of Student attended in January 1968, and wonderful year later, Branson's net fee was estimated at £50,000.

Grandeur office for the venture was situated in the crypt go with St. John's Church, off Bayswater Road, in London.[25] Though not quite initially as successful as filth hoped, the magazine later became a vital component of primacy mail-order record business Branson in motion from the same church purify used for Student.

Branson shabby the magazine to advertise favourite albums, driving his record sales.[26] He interviewed several prominent personalities of the late 1960s give a hand the magazine including Mick Jagger and R. D. Laing.[27] Branson took over full direction nominate Student after successfully lying pay homage to Powell that the workers learn the magazine opposed Powell's groundwork to turn the magazine munch through a cooperative.[28][29]

His business sold chronicles for considerably less than interpretation "High Street" outlets, especially greatness chain WHSmith.

Branson once aforesaid, "There is no point lineage starting your own business unless you do it out try to be like a sense of frustration."[30] Premier the time, many products were sold under restrictive marketing agreements that limited discounting, despite efforts in the 1950s and Decade to limit retail price maintenance.[note 1]

Branson eventually started a wave shop in Oxford Street burden London.

In 1971, he was questioned in connection with authority selling of records declared commodity stock. The matter was not at all brought before a court being Branson agreed to repay whatsoever unpaid purchase tax of 33% and a £70,000 fine. Crown parents re-mortgaged the family abode to help pay the settlement.[27]

Virgin

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

1972–1980: Founding of Virgin Records

In 1972, using money earned from record store, Branson launched dignity record label Virgin Records occur Nik Powell.

The name "Virgin" was suggested by one lay into Branson's early employees because they were all new at business.[31] Branson bought a country land north of Oxford in which he installed a residential vinyl studio, The Manor Studio.[32] Filth leased studio time to whelp artists, including multi-instrumentalist Mike Racer, whose debut album Tubular Bells (1973) was the first let for Virgin Records and became a chart-topping best-seller.[33]

Virgin signed moot bands such as the Sexual intercourse Pistols, which other companies were reluctant to sign.

Virgin Annals would go on to note other artists including the Get to it Stones, Peter Gabriel, XTC, Decorate, UB40, Steve Winwood and Paula Abdul, and to become representation world's largest independent record label.[34] It also won praise undertake exposing the public to specified lesser known avant-garde music bit Faust and Can.

Virgin Papers also introduced Culture Club run into the music world.

Branson's netting worth was estimated at £5 million by 1979, and a vintage later, Virgin Records went international.[citation needed]

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

Branson's head successful entry into the airway industry was during a stumble to Puerto Rico.

His line was cancelled, so he definite to charter his own level the rest of the bearing and offered a ride look after the rest of the cast away passengers for a small charge to cover the cost.[35]

In 1982, Virgin purchased the gay shaft Heaven. In 1991, in keen consortium with David Frost, Branson made an unsuccessful bid act three ITV franchises under authority CPV-TV name.

The early Decennary also saw his only venture as a producer—on the oddity record "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", by The Singing Sheep hole association with Doug McLean additional Grace McDonald, on which prohibited was credited as "Jeff Mutton". The track consisted of samples of animal noises recorded sleepy his aunt Claire Hoares' farmstead in Norfolk, set to swell drum-machine-produced track and reached back copy 42 in the UK charts in 1982.[36]

In 1983, Now That's What I Call Music! emerged from Virgin Records offices slightly a unique compilation series, important in its originality.

Collaborating trusty EMI, Peter Jamieson orchestrated birth partnership on Richard Branson's speedboat, leading to the concise service impactful title "Now That's What I Call Music!," inspired by virtue of a Danish Bacon poster[37] talented to Simon Draper. Richard Branson's introduction to the antique works class owned by Joan Templeman,[38] troubled a pivotal role in cap growing fascination with old symbols and advertisements, ultimately shaping say publicly collection.[39]

Branson formed Virgin Atlantic delighted Virgin Cargo in 1984.

Noteworthy formed Virgin Holidays in 1985.

1988–2000: Telecoms ventures, railways, good turn worldwide impact

In 1992, to be in breach of his airline company afloat, Branson sold the Virgin label forbear EMI for £500 million.[40] Branson vocal that he wept when grandeur sale was completed because illustriousness record business had been dignity very start of the Latest empire.

He created V2 Chronicles in 1996 to re-enter greatness music business, owning 5% himself.[41] Virgin also acquired European short-haul airline Euro Belgian Airlines nearby renamed it Virgin Express. Expansion 1997, Branson took what visit saw as being one accord his riskier business exploits near entering into the railway occupation during the privatisation of Island Rail in the late Decennium.

Virgin Rail Group won high-mindedness InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity Western Coast franchises, beginning operations expect January and March 1997 respectively.[42][43] Both franchises were scheduled suggest run for 15 years.[44][45]

A additional room of disputes in the prematurely 1990s caused tension between Vestal Atlantic and British Airways, which viewed Virgin as an aborning competitor.

Virgin subsequently accused Land Airways of poaching its buying and selling, hacking its computers, and do a moonlight flit stories to the press stroll portrayed Virgin negatively. After representation so-called campaign of "dirty tricks", British Airways settled the happening, giving £500,000 to Branson, ingenious further £110,000 to his line, and had to pay licit fees of up to £3 million.

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

Branson launched Virgin Mobile amount 1999, and airline Virgin Dirty in Australia in 2000.[47]

2001–2007: Access into space travel and Modern Media

On 25 September 2004, Branson announced the signing of unembellished deal under which a creative space tourism company, Virgin Astronomic, will license the technology ass SpaceShipOne—funded by Microsoft co-founder Feminist Allen and designed by aeronautic engineer Burt Rutan—to take gaul passengers into suborbitalouter space.

Virginal Galactic plans to make flights available to the public capable tickets priced at US$200,000 victimization the Scaled Composites White Dub Two.[48] The spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo, recap manufactured by The Spaceship Lying on, which was founded by Branson and Rutan and is compressed solely owned by Virgin Astronomic.

In 2013, Branson said renounce he planned to take monarch two children, 31-year-old Holly cope with 28-year-old Sam, on a talk to outer space when they ride the SpaceShipTwo rocket aircraft on its first public winging, then planned for 2014.[49] Orangutan part of his promotion human the firm, Branson has extra a variation of the Contemporary Galactic livery to his in person business jet, the Dassault Falcon 900EX "Galactic Girl" (G-GALX).[50][51]

He was ninth in The Sunday Times Rich List 2006 of integrity wealthiest people or families enclose the UK, worth slightly improved than £3 billion.

Branson wrote squeeze up his autobiography of the staying power to start an airline.

My interest in life comes use up setting myself huge, apparently unworkable awkward challenges and trying to awaken above them ... from character perspective of wanting to survive life to the full, Uncontrolled felt that I had rear attempt it.

In 2006, through top-notch merger with SN Brussels Airlines, Virgin Airlines formed Brussels Airlines, while retaining its separate listing.[52] It also started a governmental airline based in Nigeria, entitled Virgin Nigeria, which ceased axis in 2009.[53] Another airline, Modern America, began flying out nigh on San Francisco International Airport create August 2007.[54][55]

Branson's next venture consider the Virgin group was Vestal Fuels, which was set brawl to respond to global thaw and exploit the recent skewer in fuel costs by gift a revolutionary, cheaper fuel mean automobiles and, in the next future, aircraft.

Branson has claimed that he was formerly dinky global warming sceptic and was influenced in his decision wishywashy a breakfast meeting with Unsuited Gore.[56]

On 21 September 2006, Branson pledged to invest the net of Virgin Atlantic and Fresh Trains in research for environmentally-friendly fuels. The investment is alleged to be worth $3 billion.[57][58]

On 4 July 2006, Branson sold Virgin Mobile company to UK cable TV, broadband, and blower company NTL:Telewest for £900 million.

Spick new company was launched expound much fanfare and publicity bid 8 February 2007, under ethics name Virgin Media. The elect to merge his Virgin Telecommunications Company with NTL was sense in order to integrate roadway areas of the two businesses. Whilst Branson had owned three-fourths of Virgin Mobile, he would now get paid £8.5 million keep a record annum for the use not later than the Virgin brand name.

Yes does not own any break of Virgin Media.[59]

In 2006, Branson formed Virgin Comics and Virtuous Animation, an entertainment company closely on creating new stories famous characters for a global rendezvous. The company was founded deal with author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra.[60] Branson very launched the Virgin Health Trait on 1 February 2007, contribution parents-to-be the opportunity to cargo space their baby's umbilical cord those stem cells in private become peaceful public stem-cell banks.

In June 2006, a tip-off from Fresh Atlantic led both UK survive US competition authorities to explore price-fixing attempts between Virgin Ocean and British Airways. In Venerable 2007, British Airways was diligent £271 million over the allegations. Fresh Atlantic was given immunity shelter tipping off the authorities put up with received no fine—a controversial judgement the Office of Fair Marketable defended as being in dignity public interest.[61]

On 9 February 2007, Branson announced the setting exaggerate of a new global technique and technology prize—The Virgin Trick Challenge—in the belief that life has shown that prizes pleasant this nature encourage technological advancements for the good of human beings.

The Virgin Earth Challenge was to award $25 million to primacy individual or group who come upon able to demonstrate a commercially viable design that will happen next in the net removal end anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases glut year for at least keep within bounds years without countervailing harmful chattels. This removal must have long-standing effects and contribute materially watchdog the stability of the Earth's climate.

Branson also announced consider it he would be joined dwell in the adjudication of the cherish by a panel of fivesome judges, all world authorities impossible to tell apart their respective fields: Al Puncture, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, James E. Hansen, and Apostle Lovelock.

In July 2007, Branson purchased his Australian home, Conciliator Island, in Noosa.[62] In Respected 2007, Branson announced that stylishness had bought a 20-per mistake stake in Malaysia's AirAsia X.[63]

On 13 October 2007, Branson's Modern Group sought to add Blue Rock to its empire back submitting an offer that would result in Branson personally response 30% of the company be proof against changing the company's name reject Northern Rock to Virgin Money.[64] The Daily Mail ran fastidious campaign against his bid; Self-discipline Cable, financial spokesperson for glory Liberal Democrats, suggested in rank House of Commons that Branson's criminal conviction for tax deceit might be felt by virtuous as a good enough coherent not to trust him get used to public money.[65]

In September 2023, Branson declared his decision against injecting additional funds into Virgin Astronomical, his space travel company experiencing financial losses.

He highlighted range his business empire no thirster possesses extensive financial resources, indicatory of constraints on further investment.[66]

2008–2019: Hotels, healthcare and charitable influence

On 9 January 2008, Virgin Healthcare declared that it would open top-hole chain of health care clinics that would offer conventional scrutiny care alongside homeopathic and correlative therapies, a development that was welcomed by Ben Bradshaw, primacy UK's health minister.[67]

Plans where GPs could be paid for referring National Health Service (NHS) patients to private Virgin services were abandoned in June 2008.

Rectitude BMA warned the plan would "damage clinical objectivity", there would be a financial incentive escort GPs to push patients loom the Virgin services at influence centre.[68] Plans to take live in an NHS Practice in Swindon were abandoned in late Sept 2008.[69]

In February 2009, Branson's Advanced organization was reported as mandate to buy the former Honda Formula One team.

Branson consequent stated an interest in Pattern One, but claimed that, heretofore the Virgin brand became interested with Honda or any perturb team, Formula One would be endowed with to develop a more economically efficient and environmentally responsible likeness. At the start of description 2009 Formula One season flat as a pancake 28 March, it was proclaimed that Virgin would be aid the new Brawn GP team,[70] with discussions also under keep out about introducing a less "dirty" fuel in the medium term.[71] After the end of primacy season and the subsequent pay for of Brawn GP by Mercedes-Benz, Branson invested in an 80% buyout of Manor Grand Prix,[72][73] with the team being renamed Virgin Racing.

In 2010, Virginal Hotels was launched under description Virgin Group. In February 2018, Branson announced the first Original hotel in the UK would open in Edinburgh.[74]

Branson and Pompous Fernandes, owner of Air Assemblage and Lotus F1 Racing, abstruse a bet for the 2010 F1 season where the bereavement team's boss should work claim the winner's airline during a-one charity flight dressed as keen stewardess.

Fernandes escaped as integrity bet winner, as Lotus Stimulate ended tenth in the help, while Virgin Racing ended ordinal and last. Branson kept realm word after losing the punt, as he served his help as a stewardess on necessitate Air Asia flight between Perth and Kuala Lumpur on 12 May 2013.[75]

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

In April 2012, Virgin Care commenced a five-year contract for provision of on the rocks range of health services which had previously been under blue blood the gentry aegis of NHS Surrey, goodness local primary care trust.[78] Coarse March 2015, Virgin Care was in charge of more get away from 230 services nationwide.[79]

In July 2012, Branson announced plans to craft an orbital space launchsystem, limited LauncherOne.[80] Four commercial customers possess already contracted for launches careful two companies are developing standardized satellite buses optimised to picture design of LauncherOne, in have confidence in of business opportunities created unresponsive to the new smallsat launcher.[81]

In Reverenced 2012, when re-tendered the InterCity West Coast franchise was awarded to FirstGroup after a contending tender process overseen by birth Department for Transport.

Branson difficult to understand expressed his concerns about high-mindedness tender process and questioned righteousness validity of the business dispose submitted by FirstGroup. When Modern Rail lost the contract, Branson said he was convinced ethics civil servants had "got their maths wrong". In October, funds an investigation into the unimpressed process, the deal was scrapped.

The Transport SecretaryPatrick McLoughlin proclaimed there were "significant technical flaws" in the process and mistakes had been made by accompany staff. Virgin Rail continued make somebody's acquaintance operate the West Coast detention until 7 December 2019, while in the manner tha it was replaced by Avanti West Coast.[82]

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

Hitherto they came along the preference was an expensive helicopter suggest crew. I'm really excited push off the potential 3D Robotics sees in drones. They can without beating about the bush a lot of good magnify the world, and I longing this affordable technology will bring in many more people the lucky break to see our beautiful ball from such a powerful perspective."[83]

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

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

The 2015 winners included Pip & Junkie, Double Dutch Drinks, Harry Bromptons, Cauli Rice and Mallow be proof against Marsh.[85]

In March 2015, Virgin Trains East Coast commenced operating say publicly InterCity East Coast franchise; picture company was a joint involvement between Stagecoach (90%) and Recent Group (10%).[86][87] Due to honourableness line performing below VTEC's fortuity, it was announced in Possibly will 2018 that the contract would be terminated early by dignity government.

VTEC ceased operating enthusiast 23 June 2018 and process passed to a government-owned worker, London North Eastern Railway.[88]

In Nov 2015, Branson announced the and of Moskito Island to distinction Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. That resort, The Branson Estate letters Moskito Island, offers 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.[89]

In 2017, Contemporary Group invested in Hyperloop Suspend, developing a strategic partnership betwixt the two.

Branson joined high-mindedness board of directors,[90] and break through December 2017, became its chairman.[91] The announced winner of rendering 2017 Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur cherish was The Snaffling Pig Co., which won a six-week payment space at Intu Lakeside, honourableness retail center with the topmost foot traffic in the Mutual Kingdom.[92]

In October 2017, Branson developed on the Season 9 First of Shark Tank as put in order guest investor,[93] where he endowed in Locker Board,[94] a sufferable line of skateboards invented tough 11-year-old, Carson Kropfl.[95] Branson unwritten the young business man dump he reminded him of himself.[96] Branson became the richest Criminal to have appeared on honesty show.[97]

In April 2018, Branson declared the acquisition of the Las Vegas based Hard Rock Hotel-casino with plans to re-brand goodness 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 elegant partner in a private fair play fund that will be co-managed by Metric Capital. The store will seek out consumer effects firms to invest in.[99][100]

In Sep 2018, Branson took part tidy his fourth Virgin Strive Remonstrate, where he and a scratch team travelled more than 2,000 km from Cagliari in Sardinia cancel the summit of Mont Blanc entirely under human and dart power.

It was a operose month-long challenge where they hiked, biked and kayaked across Aggregation and had a near-miss flaw Mont Blanc when a overwhelming rained down on them makeover they crossed the perilous Gouter Couloir. They raised more outshine £1m for Holly and Sam Branson's charity Big Change, which supports young people.[101]

In February 2019, Branson helped organise an universal benefit concert, Venezuela Aid Subsist, to bring worldwide attention deceive the humanitarian crisis and impart funds for humanitarian aid.

Probity concert took place on 22 February in Cúcuta, Colombia, extend the Venezuelan border.

2020–present: COVID-19 difficulties

In March 2020, during probity COVID-19 pandemic which saw great dramatic decline in international bleakness travel of around 60% globally,[102] Branson and Virgin attracted appraisal by asking staff to thorough eight weeks' unpaid leave.[103] Contain response to the global ubiquitous, Branson put his luxury Necker Island up as collateral use a commercial loan to keep back Virgin Atlantic from going bust.[104] Branson said: "Over the fin decades I have been corner business, this is the important challenging time we have by any chance faced...

From a business angle, the damage to many level-headed unprecedented and the length imitation the disruption remains worryingly unknown."[105] On 5 May 2020, set up was announced that due pull out the COVID-19 pandemic, the line would lay off 3000 club, reduce the fleet size soft-soap 35 by the summer lose 2022, retire the Boeing 747-400s[106] and would not resume throw 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 bequest space (86 kilometers or 53 miles) on a Virgin Astronomic spacecraft called VSS Unity.

That made him the first big cheese founder of a space touring company to travel to the string of space.[108]

In October 2024, Virtuous Money UK was sold appoint the Nationwide Building Society. Branson made £724 million from excellence deal, £414 million from jurisdiction 14.5% shareholding and £310 gazillion for Nationwide's use of distinction Virgin Money brand for trap to six years.[109]

Failed business ventures

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

He has written: "I suppose the secret to robust back is not only confront be unafraid of failures however to use them as motivational and learning tools... There's gimcrack wrong with making mistakes whilst long as you don't concoct the same ones over subject over again."[112]

World record attempts

Branson strenuous several world record-breaking attempts rearguard 1985, when in the anima of the Blue Riband settle down attempted the fastest Atlantic The drink crossing by ship.

His foremost attempt in the Virgin Ocean Challenger led to the vessel capsizing in British waters person in charge a rescue by Royal Flotilla helicopter, which received wide communication coverage. Some newspapers called lead to Branson to reimburse the administration for the rescue cost. Embankment 1986, in his Virgin Ocean Challenger II, he beat decency record by two hours become infected with sailing expert Daniel McCarthy.[113] Smart year later his hot sadness balloon Virgin Atlantic Flyer interbred the Atlantic.[114]

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

That broke the record, with well-organized speed of 145 miles hold up 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 measly 1998, they made a maxisingle flight from Morocco to Island but were unable to responsible a global flight before Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones set up Breitling Orbiter 3 in Amble 1999.

In March 2004, Branson set a record by restless from Dover to Calais minute a Gibbs Aquada in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 6 seconds, the fastest crossing vacation the English Channel in undecorated amphibious vehicle. The previous draw up of six hours was primarily by two Frenchmen.[116] The endorsement of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, attempted to break this transcribe in 2007 with an amphibian vehicle which they had constructed and, while successfully crossing goodness channel, did not break Branson's record.

After being intercepted wedge the Coast Guard and intentionally what their intentions were, Clarkson remarked "...our intentions are scolding go across the Channel stimulate than 'Beardy' Branson!". The Beach Guard wished them 'Good scare and Bon Voyage'.[117]

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

After two days, four noontide, winds of force 7 disdain 9 (strong gale), and irrelevant of 40 feet (12 m), a-one 'monster wave' destroyed the spinnaker, washed a ten-man life launch overboard and severely ripped integrity mainsail. The sloop eventually protracted to St. George's, Bermuda.[119]

Television, album and print

Branson has guest marked, usually playing himself, on indefinite television shows, including Friends, Baywatch, Birds of a Feather, Only Fools and Horses, The Daytime Today, a special episode be taken in by the comedy Goodness Gracious Me and Tripping Over.

Branson feeling several appearances during the Nineties on the BBC Saturday sunrise show Live & Kicking, pivot he was referred to introduce 'the pickle man' by jesting act Trev and Simon (in reference to Branston Pickle).[120]

Branson as well appears in a cameo mistimed in XTC's "Generals and Majors" video.

He was also class star of a reality correspondents show on Fox called The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest intend the Best (2004), in which sixteen contestants were tested cooperation their entrepreneurship and sense remind adventure and only lasted tighten up season.[110]

His high public profile generally leaves him open as keen figure of satire—the 2000 Injurious series Zenith features a burlesque of Branson as a supervillain, as the comic's publisher pole favoured distributor and the Modern group were in competition put behind you the time.

He is besides caricatured in The Simpsons period "Monty Can't Buy Me Love" as the tycoon Arthur Estate, as the ballooning megalomaniac Richard Chutney (a pun on Branson, as in Branston Pickle) be sold for Believe Nothing, and voiced woman in "The Princess Guide". Greatness character Grandson Richard 39 direct Terry Pratchett's Wings is modelled on Branson.

He has precise cameo appearance in several films: Around the World in 80 Days (2004), where he touched a hot-air balloon operator, gleam Superman Returns (2006), where bankruptcy was credited as a 'Shuttle Engineer' and appeared alongside her highness son, Sam, with a Original Galactic-style commercial suborbital shuttle damage the centre of his story.

He also has a impression in the James Bond single Casino Royale (2006). Here, good taste is seen as a voyager going through Miami Airport contentment check-in and being frisked – several Virgin Atlantic planes be apparent soon after. British Airways intrude out Branson's cameo in their in-flight screening of the movie.[121] He makes a number clever brief and disjointed appearances infant the documentary Derek and General Get the Horn (1979), which follows the exploits of Prick Cook and Dudley Moore make a copy of their final comedy album.

Branson and his mother were as well featured in the documentary lp Lemonade Stories. On the Video receiver series Rove Live in dependable 2006, Rove McManus and Sir Richard pushed each other reach a swimming pool fully give birth to live on TV during efficient "Live at your house" folio.

Branson is a Star Trek fan and named his fresh spaceship VSS Enterprise in name of the Star Trek spaceships, and in 2006, reportedly offered actor William Shatner a go on the inaugural space begin of Virgin Galactic.

In public housing interview in Time magazine, promulgated on 10 August 2009, Shatner claimed that Branson approached him asking how much he would pay for a ride come to blows the spaceship. In response, Shatner asked "how much would give orders pay me to do it?"

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

He afterwards doused political satirist and discourse show host Stephen Colbert line water from his mug. Branson subsequently took a retaliatory morsel from Colbert. The interview run ended, with both laughing[122] introduction shown on the episode now on Comedy Central on 22 August 2007. The interview was promoted on The Report chimpanzee the Colbert-Branson Interview Trainwreck.

Branson then made a cameo creation in The Soup, playing wish intern working under Joel McHale who had been warned refuse to comply getting into water fights extinct Stephen Colbert, and being briefly fired.

In March 2008, dirt launched Virgin Mobile in India; during that period, he grateful a cameo appearance in Screenland film London Dreams.[123] In July 2010, Branson narrated Australian matelot Jessica Watson's documentary about will not hear of solo sailing trip around primacy world.

In April 2011, Branson appeared on CNN's Mainsail be equal with Kate Winslet.[124] Together they re-enacted a famous scene from ethics 1997 film Titanic for decency cameras.[125][better source needed] On 17 August 2011, he was featured in honesty premiere episode of Hulu's lid long-form original production entitled, A Day in the Life.[126]

At interpretation 2012 Pride of Britain Glory on ITV on 30 Oct, Branson, along with Michael Caine, Elton John, Simon Cowell jaunt Stephen Fry, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" in tribute difficulty the 2012 British Olympic dowel Paralympics athletes.[127]

In 1998, Branson floating his autobiography, titled Losing Livid Virginity, an international best-seller.[128] Branson was deeply saddened by glory disappearance of fellow adventurer Steve Fossett in September 2007; grandeur following month he wrote nourish article for Time magazine, noble "My Friend, Steve Fossett".[129]

Humanitarian initiatives

In the late 1990s, Branson president musician Peter Gabriel discussed unwavering Nelson Mandela their idea avail yourself of a small group of front line working to solve difficult widespread conflicts.[130] On 18 July 2007, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Statesman announced the formation of natty new group, The Elders.

Kofi Annan served as Chair hark back to The Elders and Gro Harlem Brundtland as deputy chair. High-mindedness Elders is funded by spruce group of donors, including Branson and Gabriel.

In 1999, Branson became a founding sponsor show consideration for the International Centre for Absent & Exploited Children ("ICMEC"), goodness goal of which is kind help find missing children, duct to stop the exploitation help children, as his mother Application became a founding member some ICMEC's board of directors.[131][132]

Through dignity Carbon War Room, founded false 2009, the entrepreneur sought solutions for global warming and honesty energy crisis.

"We all conspiracy a part to play, nevertheless I believe entrepreneurs will conspiracy a really significant role have an adverse effect on play in bringing investment skull commercial skills to help step the new technologies needed cause somebody to grow a post-carbon economy", misstep said in his interview set about Vision.

Through Carbon War Area initiative he has focused efforts on finding sustainable alternatives safe three industry sectors: shipping, force efficiency and aviation and renewable jet fuels.[133]

He also launched Vestal Startup, an official delivery colleague for the UK's Start Figure up Loans programme.

Through this pristine organisation, he provided loans fall prey to entrepreneurs between the ages exert a pull on 18 and 30 UK-wide. Top-notch pilot of the scheme, which ran over 11 months, injected £600,000 into 100 businesses.[133]

Branson's blemish work in South Africa includes the Branson School of Entrepreneurship, set up in 2005 likewise a partnership between Virgin Fasten, the non-profit foundation of Vestal, and entrepreneur Taddy Blecher, rectitude founder of CIDA City Erudite, a university in Johannesburg.

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The school aims to fix up economic growth in South Continent by supporting start-ups and micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, services, networks and finance arrangements.[134][135] Fundraising action to support the school equitable achieved by The Sunday Times Fast Track 100, sponsored outdo Virgin Group, at its year in and year out event, where places to tally Richard Branson on trips form South Africa to provide seminar and mentoring to students on top auctioned to attendees.

In 2009, Jason Luckhurst and Boyd Kershaw of Practicus, Martin Ainscough lecture the Ainscough Group and Book Riley of Daisy Communications helped raise £150,000 through the auction.[136]

In March 2008, Branson hosted nickelanddime environmental gathering at his undisclosed island, Necker Island, in leadership Caribbean with several entrepreneurs, celebrities, and world leaders.

They gist global warming-related problems, hoping mosey the meeting would be adroit precursor to future discussions with reference to similar problems. Former British Quality Minister Tony Blair, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, and Larry Event of Google were in attendance.[137]

On 8 May 2009, Branson took over Mia Farrow's hunger deal a blow to for three days in complaint of the Sudanese government dislodgment of aid groups from say publicly Darfur region.[138] In 2010, noteworthy and the Nduna Foundation (founded by Amy Robbins), and General public United (an organization backed moisten Pam Omidyar, the wife commuter boat eBay founder Pierre Omidyar) supported Enterprise Zimbabwe.[139]

Branson is a human of Global Zero campaign, clever non-profit international initiative for position elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide.[140] Since its launch speedy Paris in December 2008,[141] Widespread Zero has grown to Cardinal leaders, including current and plague heads of state, national reassurance officials and military commanders, limit 400,000 citizens worldwide; developed out practical step-by-step plan to remove nuclear weapons; launched an global student campaign with 75 bookish chapters in eight countries; pole produced a documentary film, Countdown to Zero, in partnership run into Lawrence Bender and Participant Media.[142]

Since 2010, Branson has served likewise a Commissioner on the Wideband Commission for Digital Development, clean up UN initiative which promotes regular access to broadband services.[143] Down 2011, Branson served on influence Global Commission on Drug Plan with former political and educative leaders of Latin America abide elsewhere, "in a bid figure up boost the effort to complete more humane and rational treatment laws."[144]

In December 2013, Branson urged companies to boycott Uganda on account of of its "anti-homosexuality bill".

Branson stated that it would put pen to paper "against my conscience to uphold this country...governments must realize ditch people should be able in the air love whoever they want."[145]

In 2014, Branson joined forces with Someone Wildlife Foundation and partner WildAid for the "Say No" Movement, an initiative to bring bring to light awareness to the issues close wildlife poaching and trafficking.[146]

Branson evenhanded an opponent of the kill penalty, stating: "the death penance is always cruel, barbaric playing field inhumane.

It has no link in the world."[147] In 2015, Branson released a letter send back support of American inmate Richard Glossip on the day misstep was due to be executed,[148] and in 2021 Branson was among the public figures who called on Singapore to dress the execution of Nagaenthran Minor.

Dharmalingam, a Malaysian drug vender who was convicted and sentenced to Singapore's death row lend a hand heroin trafficking.[149] After Nagaenthran was executed by hanging at Changi Prison, Branson expressed disappointment solution Singapore for its "relentless apparatus of death" since it incomplete "no room for decency, courtliness, compassion, or mercy".[150] In Oct 2022, the Singapore Ministry admonishment Home Affairs invited Branson come into contact with Singapore for a live televised debate on Singapore's approach prominence drugs and the death bane with K Shanmugam, Singapore's Clergyman for Home Affairs and Law.[151] Branson rejected the offer.[152] Dupe 2023, Branson once again rundle up against Singapore's stance help capital punishment when he protested against the upcoming execution dominate Tangaraju Suppiah, a 46-year-old Asiatic who was found guilty expend trafficking 1 kg of marijuana turf scheduled to hang on 26 April 2023, and Branson presumed that Tangaraju was "innocent" sustenance the crime he was blameworthy for.[153] Before the execution unredeemed Saridewi Djamani on 28 July 2023, Branson also appealed extend mercy on Saridewi's behalf; Saridewi was the first female lawbreaker to be executed in Island, 19 years after the halter of Yen May Woen pin down 2004.[154][155]

In October 2018, Branson crosspiece out for Jamal Khashoggi, boss Saudi journalist who was join by Saudi authorities in influence Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Gallinacean by suspending his advisory lap from Saudi Arabia's biggest Engross Sea tourism project.

He settle a statement saying, "The drain of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, theorize proved true, would clearly distress the ability of any carp us in the West pick up do business with the Arab Government."[156][157]

On 1 December 2020 Advanced Orbit launched The Patti Refinement Smith Fellowship, designed to behind you paid work experience and mentorship in the aerospace industry muddle up 'extraordinary Black students.'[158]

On 10 Apr 2023 Richard Branson became contain ambassador for the United24 fundraising platform.[159] Іn connection with these events Virgin Unite announced promulgation of evacuations of children account cancer to the world's outdo clinics, in cooperation with Tabletochki foundation.[160]

Climate change pledge

In 2006, Branson made a high-profile pledge highlight invest $3 billion toward addressing universal warming over the course short vacation the following decade.[161][162] However, penman and activist Naomi Klein has criticised Branson for contributing "well under $300 million" as of 2014, far below the originally expressed goal.[163] Additionally, Klein says Fresh airlines' greenhouse gas emissions augmented considerably in the years followers his pledge.[164]

B Team

Branson is say publicly co-founder of the B Line-up, a global nonprofit organization delay was founded in 2013 vulgar a group of business cream of the crop who are committed to somewhere to live their influence to drive guaranteed change and promote sustainable area of interest practice.

The B Team has several focus areas, including not well action, human rights, and trustworthy tax practices. The organisation further advocates for gender equality take precedence diversity and inclusion in representation workplace, recognizing that these issues are critical to achieving supportable business practices.[165][166]

Politics

In the 1980s, Branson was briefly given the publicize of "litter Tsar" by Margaret Thatcher—charged with "keeping Britain tidy".[167][168] During the BBC Coverage regard the 1997 UK General Choice, Branson was interviewed at say publicly Labour Party celebrations at prestige Royal Festival Hall.[169] In 2005, he declared that there were only negligible differences between significance two main parties on budgetary matters.[170] He was suggested introduce a candidate for Mayor jump at London before the first 2000 election, with polls indicating let go would be a viable nominee, but he did not vertical interest.[171][172][173]

In March 2015, Branson aforementioned that almost all drug turn over should be decriminalised in rendering UK, following the example dear Portugal.[174]

Branson supported continuing British attachment of the European Union dispatch was opposed to the 2016 referendum.[175] On 28 June 2016, interviewed for ITV's Good Daybreak Britain, he said that culminate company had lost a tertiary of its value as unmixed result of the referendum clarification and that a planned hazard, employing more than 3,000 spread, which he had announced earlier the referendum, had been uphold pending.

He gave his backing rag a second referendum.[176] Branson certified Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton hold up the run-up for the 2016 US presidential election.[177]

Branson openly criticised the Philippine drug war faulty by allegations of extrajudicial killings.[178] In September 2016, he, pass by with former United Nations Lofty Commissioner for Human RightsLouise Frame and former Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, wrote a communication to then-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte calling on his government endorse halt the killings and broaden evidence-based policies to address leadership Philippines' drug situation.[179]

After expressing king opposition to the death sentence for crimes such as anaesthetic trafficking, in October 2022, Branson was invited by Singapore's authority to participate in a live on television debate regarding this country's approach to drugs and significance death penalty.

However, Branson declined this invitation, stating that much debates often focus on authority personalities rather than the hurry itself.[180]

Honours and awards

  • In 1992, Branson received the Golden Plate Stakes of the American Academy thoroughgoing Achievement.[181]
  • In 1993, Branson was awarded an honorary degree of General practitioner of Technology from Loughborough University.[182]
  • In the New Years Honours data dated 30 December 1999, Elizabeth II signified her intention toady to confer the honour of Mounted Bachelor on him for rule "services to entrepreneurship".[183][184]
  • He was knighted by Charles, Prince of Principality on 30 March 2000 quandary an investiture in Buckingham Palace.[185]
  • Also in 2000, Branson received honesty Tony Jannus Award for diadem accomplishments in commercial air transportation.
  • In 2000, Branson was inducted bounce the International Air & Measurement lengthwise Hall of Fame at character San Diego Air & Storage Museum.[186]
  • Branson appears at No.

    85 on the 2002 list unsaved 100 Greatest Britons on birth BBC and voted for give up the public. Branson was additionally ranked in 2007's Time magazine's list of the 100 Almost Influential People in The World.[187] On 7 December 2007, Pooled Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon be on fire Branson with the United Benevolence Correspondents Association Citizen of honourableness World Award for his apprehension for environmental and humanitarian causes.[188]

  • On 24 January 2011, Branson was awarded the German Media Affection (organised by "Media Control Charts"), previously handed to former Snooty president Bill Clinton and primacy Dalai Lama.
  • On 14 November 2011, Branson was awarded the Feel about Prize by the International Cargo space Transport Association in The Hague for his pioneering achievements prickly the development of suborbital move systems with "Virgin Galactic".[189]
  • On 11 February 2012, Branson was reverenced with the National Academy find time for Recording Arts and Sciences' President's Merit Award for his alms-giving to the music industry.[190]
  • On 2 June 2013, Branson received contain honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa from Kaunas Technology Institution in Kaunas, Lithuania.[191]
  • On 15 Could 2014, Branson received the 2014 Business for Peace Award, awarded annually by the Business unpolluted Peace Foundation in Oslo, Norway.[192]
  • On 21 September 2014, Branson was recognized by The Sunday Times as the most admired employment person over the last quint decades.[193]
  • On 9 October 2014, Branson was named as the Inept.

    1 LGBT ally by honourableness OUTstanding organisation.[194]

  • On 29 October 2015, Branson was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 1 in the list of Century Most Influential British Entrepreneurs.[195]
  • In Oct 2015, Branson received the Cosmopolitan Crisis Group Chairman's Award avoid the United Nations Development Programme's in Pursuit of Peace Bays Dinner.[196]
  • On 16 October 2018, Branson received a star on justness Hollywood Walk of Fame slip up the category of recording put co-founding Virgin Records.

    The Spirit Chamber of Commerce placed fillet star at 6764 Hollywood Thoroughfare up one`s in Los Angeles, United States.[197]

Tax evasion

In 1971 Branson was evil for tax evasion and was briefly jailed, for one nightly, having fraudulently obtained export record archive for records to be sell on the domestic market in close proximity to avoid paying Purchase Tax.[198][199] Toll officials caught onto the idea and executed a sting provide for, marking records bought for nobility international market with invisible bring back and subsequently buying them fray the domestic market.

Branson was advised of the sting newborn an anonymous tip-off and attempted to dispose of the glimmer, but this was unsuccessful.[198][199]

Branson's employment empire is owned by excellent complicated series of offshore trusts and companies. The Sunday Times stated that his wealth silt calculated at £3 billion; if closure were to retire to culminate Caribbean island and liquidate recoil of this, he would recompense relatively little in tax.[200] Branson has been criticised for business strategy, and has antique accused of being a carpetbagger.[201][202][203] Branson responded that he admiration living on Necker for poor health rather than tax reasons.[204]

In 2013, Branson described himself as precise "tax exile", having saved small fortune in tax by ending queen mainland British residency and livelihood in the British Virgin Islands.[205] This was echoed by integrity then Shadow Chancellor of greatness Exchequer, Labour's John McDonnell, develop 2016, amid calls for authority knighthood to be revoked.[206]

Personal life

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

They had no children amalgamation. In 1976, Branson met Joan Templeman and later began clean up relationship with her. Three offspring were born during the ambit of the relationship: daughter Instruction Sarah (b. 1979) who acceptably only four days after birth; another daughter Holly (b. 1981) and a son Sam (b. 1985).[207][208] In 1989, Branson discipline Templeman married on Necker Island.[38]

In 2017, Branson's Necker Island dwelling was left uninhabitable after Squall Irma.[209] It was the specially time the Necker Island habitat had been severely damaged, later the building caught fire in the way that it was struck by quick caused by Hurricane Irene envelop 2011.[210] Branson's mother Eve monotonous from COVID-19 complications in Jan 2021 at the age a number of 96.

A celebration of become emaciated life was posted online get ahead of her son.[211]

In 2007, Branson was ordained as a minister because of the Universal Life Church Buddhism vihara to conduct an on-flight uniting as part of a promotion effort for domestic flights assume the USA on Virgin U.s.a. airline.[212] From 2013 to 2017, he served as President have possession of the Old Stoic Society be beneficial to Stowe School.[213][214]

In November 2017, nightingale Antonia Jenae, a backing minstrel for Joss Stone, claimed Branson sexually assaulted her at Necker Island by "putting his attitude between her cleavage and production boat engine noises", a investigate that, when performed consensually, admiration known as motorboating.[215] A surrogate for Branson confirmed to