Richard Branson

Founder and Chairman, Virgin Group

A middle-aged man with long blond hair and a goatee, wearing a light blue collared shirt, poses against a plain white background.

Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur known for his philanthropic projects and his taste for adventure.

He is the founder and chairman of Virgin Group Ltd., a conglomerate of separately run companies that includes radio stations, airlines, and mobile phones. The Virgin Group now owns around 200 companies in over 30 countries. Virgin also plans to launch commercial space flights over the next few years in a venture called Virgin Galactic. Branson’s involvement in social and environmental projects includes the Virgin Green Fund, the Carbon War Room, and the global leadership council called The Elders.

Branson was born in 1950 in Surrey, England, and was educated at Stowe School, where he established a national magazine, Student, at the age of 16. He is married with two children and lives in London and Oxfordshire.

Everything Videos

Whom would you interview?

Branson has a big question for a big leader.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson Imagines the Future

The British entrepreneur’s plan to populate outer space.

Richard Branson

Should the government be doing more to stop climate change?

We need an educated government to set the rules.

Richard Branson

How do you fix the media?

If you give people decent television, they will watch decent television.

Richard Branson

Regulating the Press

The media needs to regulate itself.

Richard Branson

The Media’s Malaise

Branson, on the need for dispassionate reporting.

Richard Branson

Is the media to blame for the war in Iraq?

American media has a lot to answer for.

Richard Branson

Coming of Age in the Vietnam Era

Branson has changed since then; he now thinks war must be avoided at all costs.

Richard Branson

Who inspires you?

Mandela, who forgave his captors after 27 years in prison.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson on Being Wiser with Age

On finding the time to say “yes.”

Richard Branson

Why do you give back?

Branson doesn’t want to waste his position.

Richard Branson

Beyond a Brand, Who Is Sir Richard Branson?

I think I’m an old hippie, and hopefully I’ll never die.

Richard Branson

Beyond a brand, what is Virgin?

Before Virgin came along, you were lucky enough to have a chicken dumped in your lap.

Richard Branson

What does Africa need most?

Branson, on building an airline in Nigeria.

Richard Branson

Growing Up Dyslexic

Richard Branson found conventional school work hopeless.

Richard Branson

Why Love Matters

Branson, on the significance of parental love.

Richard Branson

What is your question?

Why can’t we be civilized?

Richard Branson

What is your counsel?

We need to ask, “what are we doing right?”

Richard Branson

What is your outlook?

Grassroots awareness is a good sign of the times.

Richard Branson

Branson references McNamara, who says that there is too much power vested in one individual, the President of the U.S.

Richard Branson

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