Last Update: 21 December 2026

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Last verified: December 2025

Biography

Sir Richard Branson is the maverick founder of the Virgin Group—spanning airlines, music, healthcare, space tourism, and more. Celebrated for his daring public persona and storytelling, he remains a high-profile figure whose reputation is constantly shaped by media attention, speculation, and brand associations.

Career Highlights

• Founded Virgin Records in the 1970s, revolutionising the music industry.

• Launched Virgin Atlantic, challenging established players in aviation.

• Ventured into space with Virgin Galactic, pioneering commercial space tourism.

• Diversified Virgin into travel, health, and lifestyle sectors globally.

Recognition & Visibility

• Knighted in 1999 for services to entrepreneurship.

• Frequent subject of biographies and media features.

• Public speeches and interviews generate widespread attention and occasional controversy.

Personal Life

Richard Branson married his first wife, Kristen Tomassi, in 1972; they divorced in 1979 and had no children together.

In 1976 Branson met Joan Templeman, later beginning a long-term relationship with her. The couple had three children: a daughter, Clare Sarah, who died shortly after birth, another daughter, Holly, and a son, Sam. Branson and Templeman were married in 1989.

Joan Templeman, Lady Branson, died at the age of 80 on 25 November 2025. Her passing was announced by Sir Richard Branson in a public statement on social media.