Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Richard Branson

How Richard Branson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Richard Branson is a prominent English business magnate and the co-founder of the Virgin Group in 1970. Known for his adventurous spirit and flamboyant personality, Branson has built a diverse empire encompassing various sectors, including airlines, music, telecommunications, and space tourism. He is celebrated for his unconventional business strategies, risk-taking ventures, and commitment to social and environmental causes. Branson's entrepreneurial journey exemplifies innovation and disruption, making him a globally recognized figure in the business world.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1966: Launched Student Magazine

In 1966, Richard Branson launched a magazine named Student with Nik Powell, marking his early foray into publishing.

January 1968: First issue of Student appeared

In January 1968, the first issue of the Student magazine was published, marking the official launch of Branson's publishing venture.

1970: Co-founded the Virgin Group

In 1970, Richard Branson co-founded the Virgin Group, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

1970: Set up a mail-order record business

In 1970, Richard Branson established a mail-order record business, which was one of his early ventures.

1972: Launched Virgin Records

In 1972, Richard Branson launched the record label Virgin Records with Powell, using money earned from his record store.

1982: Virgin purchased the gay bar Heaven

In 1982, Virgin purchased the gay bar Heaven in London.

1983: Now That's What I Call Music! series emerged

In 1983, Now That's What I Call Music! compilation series emerged from Virgin Records, in collaboration with EMI.

1984: Formed Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Cargo

In 1984, Richard Branson formed Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Cargo, expanding the Virgin brand into air travel.

1985: Formed Virgin Holidays

In 1985, Richard Branson formed Virgin Holidays, adding travel services to the Virgin Group.

1991: Unsuccessful bid for ITV franchises

In 1991, Richard Branson, in a consortium with David Frost, made an unsuccessful bid for three ITV franchises under the CPV-TV name.

1992: Sold Virgin label to EMI

In 1992, Richard Branson sold the Virgin label to EMI for £500 million to keep his airline company afloat.

1996: Created V2 Records

In 1996, Richard Branson created V2 Records to re-enter the music business, owning 5% himself, and Virgin also acquired the European short-haul airline Euro Belgian Airlines and renamed it Virgin Express.

March 1997: Virgin Rail Group began operations

In March 1997, the Virgin Rail Group began operations after winning the InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity West Coast franchises.

1997: Founded Virgin Rail Group

In 1997, Richard Branson founded the Virgin Rail Group to bid for passenger rail franchises during the privatization of British Rail.

1998: Release of Autobiography 'Losing My Virginity'

In 1998, Richard Branson released his autobiography, titled 'Losing My Virginity', which became an international best-seller.

1999: Founding Sponsor of ICMEC

In 1999, Richard Branson became a founding sponsor of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), with his mother Eve becoming a founding member of the board of directors. The organization's goal is to help find missing children and stop child exploitation.

1999: Launched Virgin Mobile

In 1999, Richard Branson launched Virgin Mobile, expanding the Virgin brand into the telecommunications industry.

2000: Launched Virgin Blue in Australia

In 2000, Richard Branson launched airline Virgin Blue in Australia, furthering the Virgin brand's expansion into air travel.

September 2004: Announced Virgin Galactic deal

On 25 September 2004, Richard Branson announced a deal under which Virgin Galactic would license the technology behind SpaceShipOne to take paying passengers into suborbital outer space.

2004: Founded Virgin Galactic

In 2004, Richard Branson founded the space tourism company Virgin Galactic, based at Mojave Air and Space Port in California, United States.

2004: Appearance on 'The Rebel Billionaire'

In 2004, Richard Branson starred in the reality television show 'The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best' on Fox, where sixteen contestants were tested for their entrepreneurship and sense of adventure. The show only lasted one season.

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2005: Establishment of the Branson School of Entrepreneurship

In 2005, the Branson School of Entrepreneurship was set up as a partnership between Virgin Unite and entrepreneur Taddy Blecher, aiming to improve economic growth in South Africa by supporting start-ups and micro-enterprises.

July 2006: Sold Virgin Mobile to NTL:Telewest

On 4 July 2006, Richard Branson sold his Virgin Mobile company to the British cable, television, broadband, and telephone company NTL:Telewest for £900 million.

September 2006: Pledged investment in environmentally-friendly fuels research

On 21 September 2006, Richard Branson pledged to invest the profits of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains in research for environmentally-friendly fuels, estimated to be worth US$3 billion.

2006: Formed Virgin Comics and Virgin Animation

In 2006, Richard Branson formed Virgin Comics and Virgin Animation, an entertainment company focused on creating new stories and characters for a global audience.

2006: Founded Virgin Comics LLC

In 2006, Richard Branson founded Virgin Comics LLC, stating that it will give "a whole generation of young, creative thinkers a voice".

2006: Global Warming Pledge

In 2006, Richard Branson pledged to invest US$3 billion towards addressing global warming over the following decade.

2006: Virgin Airlines formed Brussels Airlines

In 2006, through a merger with SN Brussels Airlines, Virgin Airlines formed Brussels Airlines, while retaining its separate listing. It also started a national airline based in Nigeria, called Virgin Nigeria.

February 2007: Launched the Virgin Health Bank

On 1 February 2007, Richard Branson launched the Virgin Health Bank, offering parents the opportunity to store their babies' umbilical cord blood stem cells.

February 2007: Launched Virgin Media

On 8 February 2007, a new company, Virgin Media, was launched with much fanfare and publicity after the merger of Virgin Media Company with NTL.

February 2007: Announced The Virgin Earth Challenge

On 9 February 2007, Richard Branson announced the setting up of a new global science and technology prize, The Virgin Earth Challenge, to encourage technological advancements for the good of mankind.

July 2007: Announcement of The Elders Formation

On July 18, 2007, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders, a group of leaders working to solve global conflicts, an idea initially discussed by Branson and Peter Gabriel. Branson is one of the donors of the organization.

August 2007: Bought stake in AirAsia X

In August 2007, Richard Branson announced that he had bought a 20 per cent stake in the Malaysian airline AirAsia X.

August 2007: Virgin America began flying out of San Francisco

In August 2007, Virgin America began flying out of San Francisco International Airport.

October 2007: Virgin Group's Bid for Northern Rock

In October 2007, Virgin Group sought to acquire Northern Rock, offering Branson 30% ownership and a name change to Virgin Money. The bid faced opposition due to Branson's past tax evasion conviction.

2007: Virgin Trains Operated InterCity CrossCountry franchise until 2007

From 1997, the Virgin Trains brand operated the InterCity CrossCountry franchise until 2007.

2007: Ordained as a Minister

In 2007, Richard Branson was ordained as a minister by the Universal Life Church Monastery to conduct an on-flight wedding as part of a marketing effort for domestic flights in the US on Virgin America airline.

January 2008: Virgin Healthcare Announces Clinic Chain

In January 2008, Virgin Healthcare announced plans to launch a chain of healthcare clinics offering both conventional and alternative medical treatments. The development was welcomed by the health minister.

March 2008: Environmental Gathering at Necker Island

In March 2008, Richard Branson hosted an environmental gathering at his private island, Necker Island, with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and world leaders to discuss global warming-related problems.

March 2008: Launch of Virgin Mobile in India and Bollywood Cameo

In March 2008, Richard Branson launched Virgin Mobile in India and made a cameo appearance in the Bollywood film 'London Dreams'.

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December 2008: Signatory of Global Zero Campaign

In December 2008, Richard Branson became a signatory of the Global Zero campaign, an initiative for the elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide.

February 2009: Virgin Eyes Formula One Team

In February 2009, reports emerged that Branson's Virgin Group was bidding to acquire the former Honda Formula One team. Branson emphasized the need for Formula One to adopt a more economically efficient and environmentally responsible image before Virgin's involvement.

May 2009: Hunger Strike Protest for Darfur

On May 8, 2009, Richard Branson took over Mia Farrow's hunger strike for three days in protest of the Sudanese government's expulsion of aid groups from the Darfur region.

2009: Virgin Nigeria ceased operations

In 2006, Virgin Nigeria had been started, but it ceased operations in 2009.

2009: Foundation of the Carbon War Room

In 2009, Richard Branson founded the Carbon War Room, seeking solutions for global warming and the energy crisis, focusing on sustainable alternatives for shipping, energy efficiency, aviation, and renewable jet fuels.

2009: Fundraising for the Branson School of Entrepreneurship

In 2009, fundraising activity to support the Branson School of Entrepreneurship was achieved by The Sunday Times Fast Track 100, sponsored by Virgin Group, at its yearly event, where places to join Branson on trips to South Africa were auctioned to attendees.

July 2010: Narration of Jessica Watson Documentary

In July 2010, Richard Branson narrated Australian sailor Jessica Watson's documentary about her solo sailing trip around the world.

2010: Founding of Enterprise Zimbabwe

In 2010, Richard Branson, the Nduna Foundation, and Humanity United founded Enterprise Zimbabwe.

2010: Launch of Virgin Hotels

In 2010, Virgin Hotels was launched under the Virgin Group, marking Branson's entry into the hotel industry.

2010: Commissioner on Broadband Commission for Digital Development

Since 2010, Richard Branson has served as a Commissioner on the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, a United Nations initiative which promotes universal access to broadband services.

2011: Served on the Global Commission on Drug Policy

In 2011, Richard Branson served on the Global Commission on Drug Policy with former political and cultural leaders of Latin America and elsewhere to achieve more humane and rational drug laws.

April 2012: Virgin Care Commences Five-Year Contract

In April 2012, Virgin Care initiated a five-year contract to deliver an array of health services formerly overseen by NHS Surrey, a local primary care trust.

July 2012: Branson Announces Orbital Space Launch System

In July 2012, Branson unveiled plans to construct an orbital space launch system, named LauncherOne, signaling a move to provide small satellite launch services.

2013: Co-founder of the B Team

In 2013, Richard Branson co-founded the B Team, a global nonprofit organization promoting sustainable business practices with focus areas including climate action, human rights, and responsible tax practices.

2013: Planned to take children to outer space on SpaceShipTwo's first public flight

In 2013, Richard Branson planned to take his children on a trip to outer space on the SpaceShipTwo rocket plane on its first public flight, then planned for 2014.

September 2014: Branson Invests in Drone Company 3D Robotics

In September 2014, Branson announced his investment in the drone company 3D Robotics, highlighting the potential of drones for various applications.

2014: Planned space trip for 2014

In 2013, Richard Branson planned to take his children on a trip to outer space on the SpaceShipTwo rocket plane on its first public flight, then planned for 2014.

2014: Launch of "Foodpreneur" Competition

In 2014, Branson launched the "Foodpreneur" food and drink-focused start-up competition, offering mentorship, legal support, and brand counselling to winners such as Proper Beans, Killer Tomato, Sweetpea Pantry, and Sweet Virtues.

2014: Joined 'Say No' Campaign

In 2014, Richard Branson joined forces with the African Wildlife Foundation and WildAid for the "Say No" Campaign, to bring public awareness to the issues of wildlife poaching and trafficking.

March 2015: Virgin Care in Charge of Over 230 Services Nationwide

By March 2015, Virgin Care had expanded its operations to manage more than 230 services across the nation.

March 2015: Virgin Trains East Coast Commences Operations

In March 2015, Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC), a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%) and Virgin Group (10%), began operating the InterCity East Coast franchise.

November 2015: Moskito Island Added to Virgin Limited Edition Portfolio

In November 2015, Branson announced the addition of Moskito Island to the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. The Branson Estate on Moskito Island offers 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.

2015: Virgin Trains Operated InterCity East Coast franchise

From 2015 to 2018, the Virgin Trains brand operated the InterCity East Coast franchise.

2015: Expansion of Foodpreneur Competition

In 2015, the Foodpreneur competition expanded into the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival, providing winners such as Pip & Nut, Double Dutch Drinks, Harry Bromptons, Cauli Rice and Mallow and Marsh the opportunity to pitch to Target Corporation buyers.

October 2017: Branson's Appearance on Shark Tank

In October 2017, Branson appeared as a guest investor on the Season 9 Premiere of Shark Tank, where he invested in Locker Board, a sustainable line of skateboards created by Carson Kropfl, and became the wealthiest Shark to appear on the show.

December 2017: Branson Becomes Chairman of Hyperloop One

In December 2017, Branson became the chairman of Hyperloop One, following Virgin Group's investment and strategic partnership. In the same month, The Snaffling Pig Co won Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur prize and a rental space at Intu Lakeside.

February 2018: First Virgin Hotel in UK Announced

In February 2018, Branson announced the opening of the first Virgin hotel in the UK, located in Edinburgh, expanding the Virgin Hotels brand.

April 2018: Branson Acquires Hard Rock Casino-Hotel in Las Vegas

In April 2018, Branson announced the acquisition of the Hard Rock Casino-Hotel in Las Vegas, with plans to re-brand it under his Virgin Hotels business.

May 2018: Early Termination of Virgin Trains East Coast Contract Announced

In May 2018, due to the line's underperformance relative to expectations, it was announced that the government would prematurely terminate the Virgin Trains East Coast contract.

May 2018: Branson Partners in Private Equity Fund

In May 2018, it was announced that Branson would become a partner in a private equity fund co-managed by Metric Capital, targeting investments in consumer goods firms.

June 2018: Virgin Trains East Coast Ceases Operations

On June 23, 2018, Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC) ceased operations, with the government-owned London North Eastern Railway taking over operations.

September 2018: Branson Participates in Virgin Strive Challenge

In September 2018, Branson took part in his fourth Virgin Strive Challenge, traveling over 2,000 km from Cagliari to Mont Blanc using human and sail power to raise money for Big Change charity.

2018: Virgin Trains Operated InterCity East Coast franchise until 2018

From 2015, the Virgin Trains brand operated the InterCity East Coast franchise until 2018.

February 2019: Branson Organizes Venezuela Aid Live Benefit Concert

In February 2019, Branson helped organize an international benefit concert, Venezuela Aid Live, to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian aid for Venezuela, which took place on February 22 in Cúcuta, Colombia.

December 2019: Virgin Rail Replaced by Avanti West Coast

On December 7, 2019, Virgin Rail's operation of the West Coast line concluded, with Avanti West Coast taking over the franchise.

2019: Virgin Trains Operated InterCity West Coast franchise until 2019

From 1997, the Virgin Trains brand operated the InterCity West Coast franchise until 2019.

May 2020: Virgin Atlantic Announces Layoffs and Fleet Reduction

On May 5, 2020, Virgin Atlantic announced it would lay off 3000 staff, reduce its fleet, retire Boeing 747-400s, and cease operations from Gatwick Airport due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2021: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Opens

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas officially opened on March 25, 2021, marking the completion of the re-branding and renovation of the former Hard Rock Casino-Hotel.

July 2021: Branson Reaches Edge of Space on Virgin Galactic Spacecraft

On July 11, 2021, Richard Branson, along with Beth Moses, Sirisha Bandla, and Colin Bennett, reached the edge of space (86 kilometers or 53 miles) on the Virgin Galactic spacecraft called VSS Unity, making him the first billionaire founder of a space company to travel to the edge of space.

2022: Fleet Size Reduced to 35

By the summer of 2022, Virgin Atlantic reduced the fleet size to 35 aircrafts as part of the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2023: United24 Ambassador

In April 2023, Richard Branson became an ambassador for the United24 fundraising platform. Virgin Unite announced a program to evacuate children with cancer to leading clinics in cooperation with the Ukrainian Tabletochki Charity Foundation.

September 2023: Branson Halts Further Investment in Virgin Galactic

In September 2023, Richard Branson announced his decision to cease injecting additional funds into Virgin Galactic due to financial constraints within his business empire.

October 2024: Virgin Money UK Sold to Nationwide Building Society

In October 2024, Virgin Money UK was sold to the Nationwide Building Society. Branson earned £724 million from the deal, comprising £414 million from his 14.5% shareholding and £310 million for Nationwide's licensing of the Virgin Money brand.