Richard Branson

Richard Branson is the Founder and Chairman of Virgin Group, based in London, England. Since launching his first business in 1968, he has built a global conglomerate that currently oversees more than 40 businesses operating across 35 countries with an estimated total valuation exceeding $5 billion. His entrepreneurial portfolio spans multiple sectors through recognizable entities such as Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Voyages, following the foundational success of Virgin Records which he sold to EMI in 1992. Beyond his corporate ventures, he directs philanthropic efforts through Virgin Unite, partnering with figures like Bill Clinton and recently pledging $3 million to ocean cleanup initiatives via Ocean Unite. Despite leaving school at 16 with no formal higher education, Branson maintains a primary focus on expanding his consumer brands, advancing commercial space tourism, and supporting global environmental causes.