History of Richard Branson in Timeline
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.
July 1950: Born in Blackheath, London
Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born on 18 July 1950, in Blackheath, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London.
1966: Launched Student Magazine
In 1966, Richard Branson launched a magazine named Student with Nik Powell, marking his early foray into publishing.
1967: Started squatting in London
From 1967 to 1968, Richard Branson started squatting in London.
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.
1968: Started squatting in London
From 1967 to 1968, Richard Branson started squatting in London.
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.
1971: Tax Evasion Conviction
In 1971, Richard Branson was convicted for tax evasion and briefly jailed for fraudulently obtaining export documents for records to be sold on the domestic market to avoid paying Purchase Tax.
1971: Questioned in connection with selling of records
In 1971, Richard Branson was questioned in connection with the selling of records declared as export stock and later agreed to repay unpaid purchase tax and a fine.
1972: Launched Virgin Records
In 1972, Richard Branson launched the record label Virgin Records with Powell, using money earned from his record store.
1972: Marriage to Kristen Tomassi
In 1972, Richard Branson married Kristen Tomassi.
1973: Tubular Bells was the first release for Virgin Records
In 1973, Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield was the first release for Virgin Records and became a chart-topping best-seller.
1976: Met Joan Templeman
In 1976, Richard Branson met Joan Templeman and later began a relationship with her.
1979: Branson's net worth estimated at £5 million
By 1979, Richard Branson's net worth was estimated at £5 million.
1979: Divorce from Kristen Tomassi and Death of daughter Clare
In 1979, Richard Branson divorced Kristen Tomassi. Their daughter, Clare Sarah, also died after living for four days.
1979: Appearance in 'Derek and Clive Get the Horn'
In 1979, Richard Branson made brief appearances in the documentary 'Derek and Clive Get the Horn', which followed Peter Cook and Dudley Moore recording their final comedy album.
1981: Birth of Daughter Holly
In 1981, Richard Branson's daughter, Holly, was born.
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: First Attempt at Fastest Atlantic Ocean Crossing
In 1985, Richard Branson attempted the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing by ship in the Virgin Atlantic Challenger, which capsized in British waters, leading to a Royal Navy helicopter rescue.
1985: Formed Virgin Holidays
In 1985, Richard Branson formed Virgin Holidays, adding travel services to the Virgin Group.
1986: Record-Breaking Atlantic Crossing by Ship
In 1986, in his Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, Branson broke the record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing by ship, beating the previous record by two hours with sailing expert Daniel McCarthy.
1989: Marriage to Joan Templeman
In 1989, Richard Branson married Joan Templeman on Necker Island.
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.
1995: First Attempt to Circumnavigate the Globe by Balloon
In 1995, Richard Branson started his attempts to circumnavigate the globe by balloon along with Per Lindstrand, Vladimir Dzhanibekov, Larry Newman and Steve Fossett.
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: Interviewed at Labour Party celebrations
During the BBC coverage of the 1997 general election, Richard Branson was interviewed at the Labour Party celebrations at the Royal Festival Hall.
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.
March 1999: Failed to Circumnavigate the Globe by Balloon Before Breitling Orbiter 3
In March 1999, despite multiple attempts between 1995 and 1998, Branson and his team were unable to complete a global flight before Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in Breitling Orbiter 3.
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.
March 2000: Knighted for services to entrepreneurship
In March 2000, Richard Branson was knighted for "services to entrepreneurship", acknowledging his contributions to business and innovation.
2000: Suggested as candidate for Mayor of London
Before the first 2000 mayoral election, Richard Branson was suggested as a candidate for Mayor of London, with polls indicating he would be a viable candidate, but he did not express interest.
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.
2000: Parody in 2000 AD
In 2000, Richard Branson was parodied as a supervillain in the 2000 AD series Zenith, due to competition between the comic's publisher and the Virgin group.
March 2004: Fastest English Channel Crossing in Amphibious Vehicle
In March 2004, Branson set a record by crossing the English Channel from Dover to Calais in a Gibbs Aquada in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 6 seconds, the fastest crossing of the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle.
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: Cameo in 'Around the World in 80 Days'
In 2004, Richard Branson made a cameo appearance in the film 'Around the World in 80 Days,' playing a hot-air balloon operator.
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.
2004: Execution of Yen May Woen
Richard Branson spoke out against the death penalty, referring to the 2004 execution of Yen May Woen in Singapore.
2005: Views on political parties
In 2005, Richard Branson declared that there were only negligible differences between the two main parties on economic matters.
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.
June 2006: Tip-off led to investigation of price-fixing
In June 2006, a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic led British and American competition authorities to investigate price-fixing attempts between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
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: Ninth in The Sunday Times Rich List
In 2006, Richard Branson was ranked ninth in The Sunday Times Rich List of the wealthiest people or families in the UK.
2006: Offer to William Shatner for Virgin Galactic Ride
In 2006, Richard Branson, a Star Trek fan, reportedly offered actor William Shatner a ride on the inaugural space launch of Virgin Galactic, naming the spaceplane VSS Enterprise in honor of the Star Trek spaceships.
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: Purchased Makepeace Island
In July 2007, Richard Branson purchased his Australian home, Makepeace Island, in Noosa.
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: British Airways fined over price-fixing allegations
In August 2007, British Airways was fined £271 million over price-fixing allegations, following a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic.
August 2007: Appearance on 'The Colbert Report'
In August 2007, Richard Branson announced on 'The Colbert Report' that he had named a new aircraft Air Colbert. He then engaged in a water fight with Stephen Colbert. Branson subsequently made a cameo appearance in The Soup.
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.
September 2007: Saddened by Steve Fossett's Disappearance
In September 2007, Richard Branson was deeply saddened by the disappearance of his fellow-adventurer Steve Fossett.
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.
2007: Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine
In 2007, Richard Branson was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine, highlighting his global impact.
2007: Top Gear's Attempt to Break Branson's Record
In 2007, the hosts of Top Gear attempted to break Branson's record for the fastest English Channel crossing in an amphibious vehicle but were unsuccessful.
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'.
June 2008: Plans to Pay GPs for Referring NHS Patients to Virgin Services Abandoned
In June 2008, plans to compensate general practitioners for referring National Health Service patients to private Virgin services were discontinued. The BMA cautioned that this scheme could undermine clinical objectivity.
September 2008: Unsuccessful Atlantic Ocean Record Attempt
In September 2008, Richard Branson and his children attempted an eastbound record crossing of the Atlantic Ocean under sail in the Virgin Money sloop. The attempt was unsuccessful due to a 'monster wave' that destroyed the spinnaker and damaged the mainsail. The sloop eventually continued to St. George's, Bermuda.
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, 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.
August 2009: Discussion with Shatner about Virgin Galactic Spaceflight
In August 2009, William Shatner claimed that Richard Branson approached him about the cost for a journey on the Virgin Galactic spaceplane, leading to a discussion about payment for the ride.
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: Branson's Bet with Tony Fernandes
In 2010, Branson engaged in a bet with Tony Fernandes, the owner of Air Asia and Lotus F1 Racing, where the losing team's boss would serve as a stewardess on the winner's airline for a charity flight.
2010: Branson Becomes Patron of Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race
In 2010, Richard Branson assumed the role of patron for the UK's Gordon Bennett gas balloon race, featuring 16 hydrogen balloons traversing across Europe.
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: Party on Necker Island
In 2010, members of Joss Stone's band attended a party on Necker Island where the alleged sexual assault by Richard Branson on Antonia Jenae occurred.
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.
April 2011: Appearance on CNN's Mainsail
In April 2011, Richard Branson appeared on CNN's Mainsail with Kate Winslet, where they re-enacted a scene from the 1997 film Titanic.
August 2011: Featured in 'A Day in the Life'
On August 17, 2011, Richard Branson was featured in the premiere episode of Hulu's first long-form original production, 'A Day in the Life'.
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.
2011: Necker Island Fire
In 2011, Richard Branson's Necker Island home caught fire when it was struck by lightning caused by Hurricane Irene.
2011: Expressed Atheistic Views in Piers Morgan Interview
In a 2011 interview with Piers Morgan, Richard Branson stated that he is an atheist, believing in evolution and humanitarian efforts but not in God.
2011: Father Edward James Branson passed away
Richard Branson's father, Edward James Branson, a barrister, passed away in 2011.
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.
August 2012: InterCity West Coast Franchise Awarded to FirstGroup
In August 2012, the re-tendered InterCity West Coast franchise was awarded to FirstGroup, prompting concerns from Branson regarding the tender process and the validity of FirstGroup's business plan.
2012: Recitation at Pride of Britain Awards
In 2012, at the Pride of Britain Awards on ITV on October 30th, Richard Branson, along with others, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If—' in tribute to the 2012 British Olympic and Paralympics athletes.
May 2013: Branson Serves as Stewardess on Air Asia Flight
On May 12, 2013, Richard Branson fulfilled his bet obligation by working as a stewardess on an Air Asia flight between Perth and Kuala Lumpur, following his loss in the 2010 F1 bet with Tony Fernandes.
December 2013: Urged Boycott of Uganda
In December 2013, Richard Branson urged companies to boycott Uganda because of its "anti-homosexuality bill", stating that it would be against his conscience to support the country.
2013: President of the Old Stoic Society
From 2013, Richard Branson served as President of the Old Stoic Society of Stowe School.
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: Declared "Tax Exile"
In 2013, Richard Branson described himself as a "tax exile", having saved millions in tax by ending his mainland British residency and living in the British Virgin Islands.
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: Criticism for failure to meet pledge
As of 2014, Naomi Klein criticised Branson for contributing "well under $300 million", far below his originally stated goal. She also stated that Virgin airlines' greenhouse gas emissions increased considerably in the years following his pledge.
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: Kitesurfing World Record
In 2014, Richard Branson broke the Guinness World Record for most people riding a surfboard by kiting with three women attached to him.
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: Decriminalization of Drug Use
In March 2015, Richard Branson said that almost all drug use should be decriminalised in the UK, following the example of Portugal.
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: Letter in Support of Richard Glossip
In 2015, Richard Branson released a letter in support of the American prisoner Richard Glossip on the day he was due to be executed.
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.
June 2016: Opposition to Brexit and Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In June 2016, Richard Branson stated that his company had lost a third of its value as a result of the referendum result and that a planned venture, employing more than 3,000 people, which he had announced before the referendum, had been shelved. He also endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election.
August 2016: Cycling Injury
In August 2016, Richard Branson was injured while riding his bicycle in the British Virgin Islands, resulting in torn ligaments and a cracked cheek.
September 2016: Criticism of the Philippine Drug War
In September 2016, Richard Branson, along with Louise Arbour and Fernando Henrique Cardoso, wrote a letter to the Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, calling on his government to halt the killings and develop evidence-based policies to address the Philippines' drug situation.
2016: Criticism for Tax Status
In 2016, John McDonnell echoed Branson's 2013 statement, amid calls for his knighthood to be revoked due to his tax status.
November 2017: Sexual Assault Claim
In November 2017, Antonia Jenae claimed that Richard Branson sexually assaulted her at Necker Island by "putting his head between her cleavage and making boat engine noises". A spokesperson for Branson denied the claims.
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.
2017: President of the Old Stoic Society
In 2017, Richard Branson served as President of the Old Stoic Society of Stowe School.
2017: Necker Island Home Damaged by Hurricane Irma
In 2017, Richard Branson's Necker Island home was left uninhabitable after Hurricane Irma.
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.
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.
October 2018: Suspension of Advisory Role from Saudi Tourism Project
In October 2018, Richard Branson suspended his advisory role from Saudi Arabia's biggest Red Sea tourism project following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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.
March 2020: Criticism During COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Branson and Virgin faced criticism for asking staff to take unpaid leave. Branson offered Necker Island as collateral for a loan to save Virgin Atlantic.
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.
January 2021: Death of Mother Eve
In January 2021, Richard Branson's mother, Eve, died of COVID-19 complications at the age of 96.
July 2021: Travelled to the edge of space on Virgin Galactic Unity 22
On 11 July 2021, Richard Branson traveled as a passenger onboard Virgin Galactic Unity 22 during a suborbital test flight to the edge of space, reaching a peak altitude of 53.5 miles (86.1 km).
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.
2021: Called to Halt Execution of Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam
In 2021, Richard Branson was among the public figures who called on Singapore to halt the execution of Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, a Malaysian drug trafficker.
2021: Mother Evette Huntley Branson passed away
Richard Branson's mother, Evette Huntley Branson, a former ballet dancer and air hostess, passed away in 2021.
October 2022: Declined Debate Invitation on Death Penalty
In October 2022, after expressing his opposition to the death penalty for crimes such as drug trafficking, Richard Branson was invited by Singapore's government to participate in a live television debate regarding this country's approach to drugs and the death penalty. He declined, stating that such debates often focus on the personalities rather than the issue itself.
October 2022: Invitation to Debate Singapore's Drug Policy
In October 2022, the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs invited Richard Branson to Singapore for a live televised debate on Singapore's approach towards drugs and the death penalty, which he rejected.
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.
April 2023: Protested Against the Execution of Tangaraju Suppiah
In April 2023, Richard Branson protested against the upcoming execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, a 46-year-old Singaporean found guilty of trafficking cannabis.
June 2023: Forbes listed Branson's net worth at US$3 billion
In June 2023, Forbes magazine estimated Richard Branson's net worth at US$3 billion, reflecting his financial success.
July 2023: Appeal for Mercy on Saridewi Djamani's Behalf
Before the execution of Saridewi Djamani on July 28, 2023, Richard Branson appealed for mercy on Saridewi's behalf; Saridewi was the first female offender to be executed in Singapore in 19 years.
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.
February 2025: Spoke out in Support of Toforest Johnson
In February 2025, Richard Branson used his social media accounts to draw attention to the case of Toforest Johnson, an American death row prisoner, encouraging his followers to listen to the podcast Earwitness.
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