Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Richard Branson
July 18, 1950
Blackheath, London, UK
76 Years Old
Cancer
Who Is Richard Branson?
Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is a British business magnate and entrepreneur, known for building a diverse global empire. His ventures span music, airlines, telecommunications, and space travel.
He first gained widespread attention with Virgin Records, whose success launched the broader Virgin Group. Branson's risk-taking and adventurous public persona became a trademark.
Early Life and Education
Born in Blackheath, London, Richard Branson showed an early entrepreneurial spirit, despite struggling with dyslexia. His parents, Edward and Eve Branson, supported his ventures from a young age.
He attended Scaitcliffe School and Stowe School but left formal education at age sixteen to launch his first business, Student magazine.
Notable Relationships
A long-term arc of relationships saw Richard Branson first marry Kristen Tomassi in 1972, divorcing in 1979. He then met Joan Templeman in 1976, marrying her in 1989.
Branson and the late Joan Templeman, who passed away in November 2025, shared children Holly Branson and Sam Branson. They also had a daughter, Clare Sarah, who died shortly after birth.
Career Highlights
Richard Branson established the Virgin Group in 1970, growing it into a global conglomerate across diverse sectors like music with Virgin Records, and later air travel with Virgin Atlantic. This expansive portfolio includes over 400 companies worldwide.
He expanded into commercial space tourism, founding Virgin Galactic, and is known for numerous record-breaking adventure attempts across oceans. Branson notably flew to space himself in 2021.
Knighted in 2000 for services to entrepreneurship, Branson's innovative spirit and humanitarian efforts cemented him as a prominent global figure.
Signature Quote
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”