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 best known for co-founding the Virgin Group in 1970. He is known for his adventurous spirit, risk-taking approach to business, and diverse portfolio of ventures. Branson's Virgin Group encompasses various sectors, including airlines, telecommunications, media, and even space tourism with Virgin Galactic. He is also a well-known philanthropist, involved in various charitable initiatives. His personality is also tied to his success, given he is charismatic and a media personality. As of 2016, he controlled five companies within Virgin Group.

Sections (6)

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

1966: Launching Student Magazine

In 1966, Richard Branson launched a magazine named Student with Nik Powell after failed attempts to grow and sell Christmas trees and budgerigars.

January 1968: First issue of Student Magazine

The first issue of Student magazine appeared in January 1968.

1970: Co-founding of Virgin Group

In 1970, Richard Branson co-founded the Virgin Group.

1970: Setting up a mail-order record business

In 1970, Richard Branson established a mail-order record business.

1972: Launch of Virgin Records

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

1973: Release of Tubular Bells

In 1973, Virgin Records released Mike Oldfield's debut album, Tubular Bells, which became a chart-topping best-seller.

1982: Virgin Purchases Gay Bar Heaven

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

1983: Emergence of Now That's What I Call Music!

In 1983, Now That's What I Call Music! emerged from Virgin Records offices as a compilation series.

1984: Formation of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Cargo

In 1984, Richard Branson formed Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Cargo.

1985: Formation of Virgin Holidays

In 1985, Richard Branson formed Virgin Holidays.

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: Sale of Virgin Label to EMI

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

1996: Creation of V2 Records

In 1996, Richard Branson created V2 Records to re-enter the music business, owning 5% himself.

March 1997: Virgin Rail Group Begins Operations

In March 1997, Virgin Rail Group began operations for the InterCity West Coast franchises.

1997: Founding Virgin Rail Group

In 1997, Richard Branson founded the Virgin Rail Group to bid for passenger rail franchises during the privatization of British Rail. The Virgin Trains brand subsequently operated several franchises.

1998: Release of Autobiography Losing My Virginity

In 1998, Richard Branson released his autobiography, 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), supporting the organization's mission to find missing children and prevent child exploitation; his mother Eve became a founding member of ICMEC's board of directors.

1999: Launch of Virgin Mobile

In 1999, Richard Branson launched Virgin Mobile.

2000: Launch of Virgin Blue in Australia

In 2000, Richard Branson launched the airline Virgin Blue in Australia.

March 2004: Fastest English Channel crossing in an amphibious vehicle

In March 2004, Richard Branson set a record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle, traveling from Dover to Calais in a Gibbs Aquada in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 6 seconds.

September 2004: Announcement of Virgin Galactic

On September 25, 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: Founding 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: Branson's Quest for the Best

In 2004, Richard Branson starred in the reality television show The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best on Fox, a competition testing entrepreneurship and adventure among sixteen contestants that lasted only one season.

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2005: Establishment of the Branson School of Entrepreneurship

In 2005, the Branson School of Entrepreneurship was established in South Africa as a partnership between Virgin Unite and Taddy Blecher's CIDA City Campus, aiming to improve economic growth by supporting start-ups and micro-enterprises.

July 2006: Sale of Virgin Mobile to NTL:Telewest

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

September 2006: Pledge for Environmentally-Friendly Fuel Research

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

2006: Formation of 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.

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2006: Formation of Brussels Airlines

In 2006, Virgin Airlines formed Brussels Airlines through a merger with SN Brussels Airlines, while retaining its separate listing.

February 2007: Launch of Virgin Health Bank

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

February 2007: Announcement of The Virgin Earth Challenge

On February 9, 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, awarding US$25 million for commercially viable designs that remove atmospheric greenhouse gases.

July 2007: Announcement of The Elders

On July 18, 2007, Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders in Johannesburg, South Africa, a group conceived by Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel to address global conflicts, with funding from various donors including Branson and Gabriel.

August 2007: 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 Begins Operations

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, Richard Branson's Virgin Group made an offer to acquire Northern Rock, proposing to rename it Virgin Money with Branson personally owning 30% of the company. The bid faced opposition, partly due to Branson's past tax evasion conviction.

2007: InterCity CrossCountry franchise

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

January 2008: Virgin Healthcare Announces New Clinics

In January 2008, Virgin Healthcare announced plans to launch a chain of healthcare clinics, offering conventional medical care alongside homeopathic and complementary therapies.

March 2008: Environmental Gathering on Necker Island

In March 2008, Richard Branson hosted an environmental gathering on his private island, Necker Island, with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and world leaders, including Tony Blair, Jimmy Wales, and Larry Page, to discuss global warming issues.

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.

June 2008: Plans for NHS patient referrals to Virgin services abandoned

In June 2008, plans were abandoned where GPs could be paid for referring National Health Service (NHS) patients to private Virgin services after the BMA warned the plan would "damage clinical objectivity".

September 2008: Plans to take over NHS practice in Swindon abandoned

In late September 2008, plans for Virgin to take over a National Health Service (NHS) practice in Swindon were abandoned.

December 2008: Signatory of Global Zero Campaign

In December 2008, Richard Branson became a signatory of the Global Zero campaign, a non-profit international initiative focused on eliminating all nuclear weapons worldwide.

February 2009: Virgin Bids for Honda Formula One Team

In February 2009, it was reported that Richard Branson's Virgin organization was bidding to buy the former Honda Formula One team. Branson expressed interest in Formula One but emphasized the need for economic efficiency and environmental responsibility.

May 2009: Branson Takes Over Hunger Strike

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

2009: Founding of the Carbon War Room

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

2009: Virgin Nigeria Ceases Operations

In 2009, Virgin Nigeria, a national airline based in Nigeria, ceased operations.

2009: Fundraising for Branson School of Entrepreneurship

In 2009, fundraising activity at The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 event, sponsored by Virgin Group, helped raise £150,000 for the Branson School of Entrepreneurship, auctioning off opportunities to join Richard Branson on trips to South Africa for student coaching and mentoring.

July 2010: Narration of Jessica Watson Documentary

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

2010: Patron of Gordon Bennett 2010 Gas Balloon Race

In 2010, Richard Branson became the patron of the UK's Gordon Bennett 2010 gas balloon race, which featured 16 hydrogen balloons flying across Europe.

2010: Founding of Enterprise Zimbabwe

In 2010, Richard Branson, in collaboration with the Nduna Foundation and Humanity United, co-founded Enterprise Zimbabwe.

2010: Launch of Virgin Hotels

In 2010, Virgin Hotels was launched under the Virgin Group.

2010: Commissioner on the 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 that 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, joining former political and cultural leaders to advocate for more humane drug laws.

April 2012: Virgin Care Commences Contract with NHS Surrey

In April 2012, Virgin Care began a five-year contract to provide various health services previously managed by NHS Surrey.

July 2012: Announcement of LauncherOne Orbital Space Launch System

In July 2012, Richard Branson announced plans to develop an orbital space launch system called LauncherOne, securing contracts with four commercial customers and inspiring the development of standardized satellite buses.

August 2012: Loss of InterCity West Coast Franchise

In August 2012, the InterCity West Coast franchise was awarded to FirstGroup, leading Richard Branson to express concerns about the tender process and question FirstGroup's business plan.

September 2014: Investment in 3D Robotics

In September 2014, Richard Branson announced his investment in the drone company 3D Robotics, praising the potential of drones for providing affordable aerial perspectives.

2014: Joined "Say No" Campaign

In 2014, Richard Branson joined forces with the African Wildlife Foundation and WildAid for the "Say No" Campaign, an initiative designed to raise public awareness about wildlife poaching and trafficking.

2014: Launch of "Foodpreneur" Competition

In 2014, Richard Branson launched the "Foodpreneur" competition, aimed at food and drink start-ups. Winners received mentorship, legal support, and brand counseling.

March 2015: Virgin Care Oversees Over 230 Services

By March 2015, Virgin Care was responsible for managing more than 230 health services nationwide.

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: Addition of Moskito Island to Virgin Limited Edition Portfolio

In November 2015, Richard Branson announced the inclusion of Moskito Island to the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, featuring The Branson Estate, a resort with 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.

2015: InterCity East Coast franchise

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

2015: Expansion of "Foodpreneur" to Foodpreneur Festival

In 2015, the "Foodpreneur" competition expanded into the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival, offering winners the chance to pitch to Target Corporation buyers.

2016: Control of Five Companies

As of 2016, Richard Branson controlled five companies within the Virgin Group.

October 2017: Guest Appearance on Shark Tank

In October 2017, Richard Branson appeared as a guest investor on the Season 9 Premiere of Shark Tank, where he invested in Locker Board, a sustainable skateboard line invented by an 11-year-old. He was the wealthiest Shark to appear on the show.

December 2017: Branson Becomes Chairman of Hyperloop One

In December 2017, Richard Branson became the chairman of Hyperloop One after Virgin Group invested in the company and formed a strategic partnership.

February 2018: First Virgin Hotel in the UK Announced

In February 2018, Richard Branson announced that the first Virgin hotel in the UK would open in Edinburgh.

April 2018: Acquisition of Hard Rock Casino-Hotel in Las Vegas

In April 2018, Richard 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: Partnership in Private Equity Fund

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

May 2018: Termination of Virgin Trains East Coast Contract Announced

In May 2018, it was announced that the contract for Virgin Trains East Coast would be terminated early due to the line's underperformance.

June 2018: Virgin Trains East Coast Ceases Operations

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

September 2018: Fourth Virgin Strive Challenge

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

2018: End of Virgin Trains Operation of InterCity East Coast franchise

In 2018, Virgin Trains stopped operating the Intercity East Coast franchise.

February 2019: Organization of Venezuela Aid Live Concert

In February 2019, Richard Branson helped organize Venezuela Aid Live, an international benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian aid during the Venezuelan crisis, held in Cúcuta, Colombia.

October 2019: Inauguration of Virgin's London Heathrow to Tel Aviv Route

In October 2019, Richard Branson inaugurated Virgin's new route between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, praising Israel's entrepreneurs. He was photographed kissing the ground upon arrival, a traditional gesture in the Holy Land.

December 2019: Virgin Rail Ceases Operation of West Coast Line

On December 7, 2019, Virgin Rail's operation of the West Coast line ended, replaced by Avanti West Coast.

2019: End of Virgin Trains Operation of InterCity West Coast franchise

In 2019, Virgin Trains stopped operating the Intercity West Coast franchise, which they had run since 1997.

May 2020: Virgin Atlantic Layoffs and Fleet Reduction

On May 5, 2020, Virgin Atlantic announced it would lay off 3000 staff, reduce the fleet size to 35 by summer 2022, retire the Boeing 747-400s, and cease operations from Gatwick Airport due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2021: Opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened on March 25, 2021.

July 2021: Branson's Flight to the Edge of Space

On July 11, 2021, Richard Branson, along with Beth Moses, Sirisha Bandla, and Colin Bennett, flew to the edge of space (86 km) on the Virgin Galactic spacecraft VSS Unity, making him the first billionaire founder of a space company to achieve this feat.

2022: Virgin Atlantic Fleet Reduction Completed

By the summer of 2022, Virgin Atlantic completed its fleet reduction to 35 aircraft as announced in May 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2023: Branson's Decision Against Further Investment in Virgin Galactic

In September 2023, Richard Branson announced that he would not invest additional funds into Virgin Galactic due to the company's financial losses and the limited financial resources of his business empire.