Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson is one of the world’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, celebrated for his bold vision, appetite for risk, and ability to turn unconventional ideas into global businesses. As the Co-Founder of the Virgin Group, he has built an empire spanning more than 400 companies, from airlines and mobile phones to hotels and healthcare. Knighted in 2000 for services to entrepreneurship, Richard has become synonymous with innovation and adventure, named by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and recognised by The Sunday Times as the most admired business leader of the past five decades.

Richard’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s when he founded Virgin Records, the music label that launched the careers of artists like Mike Oldfield, the Sex Pistols, and Janet Jackson. From there, he expanded Virgin into travel, with the launch of Virgin Atlantic in 1984, and went on to disrupt industries from finance and holidays to rail and mobile communications. His ventures haven’t always been successful—Virgin Cars and Virgin Brides are among the high-profile setbacks—but Richard’s refusal to fear failure has been central to his philosophy of learning, adapting, and pushing boundaries.

Never content with limits, Richard turned his attention to space travel in the early 2000s, founding Virgin Galactic to make commercial spaceflight a reality. In 2021, he fulfilled a lifelong ambition by travelling into space aboard the Unity 22 mission, becoming the third-oldest person ever to do so. Alongside his business achievements, Richard has also become a symbol of adventure and resilience, setting world records in ocean crossings, air ballooning, and other extreme challenges. His ventures continue to shape the future, from Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas to investments in sustainable transport and renewable energy.

Beyond business, Richard is deeply committed to philanthropy. Through Virgin Unite and initiatives like The Elders, he has invested in causes ranging from climate action and global health to peace-building in conflict regions. His influence extends well beyond the boardroom, making him a leading voice on leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. As a speaker, Sir Richard Branson brings candid reflections on his extraordinary journey, offering audiences insight into creativity, resilience, and the courage to dream big.