Biography of Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, also known as Richard Branson, is a British businessman best known for his Virgin Group, which spans over 400 companies. According to Forbes' 2011 list, Branson is the fifth richest person in the UK with a net worth of approximately USD 4.2 billion. His acclaimed brand "Virgin," which he endorsed around the world, is featured on everything from credit cards to airlines to music megastores. His marketing tactics and balloon adventures helped him gain media attention.

Branson was born Edward James Branson on July 18, 1950 in Blackheath (London). He suffered from dyslexia and his academic performance as an undergraduate was poor. From the age of 13, he attended Skytecliffe School, then went to Stowe School until he was sixteen. He is a natural entrepreneur and has discovered the ability to connect with others.

Branson started publishing a magazine called "Student" at the age of 16. He did not go on to graduate, instead starting a mail-order audio record business in 1970. He started Virgin Records in 1972. Later, it became known as Virgin Megastores. The brand grew exponentially in the 1980s. Branson later founded Virgin Atlantic Airways and expanded the Virgin Records music label.

Branson became a record shop owner and head of the Virgin empire. He created one of the world's most iconic brands by bootstrapping. Branson was a natural entrepreneur with an insatiable desire to start new businesses. He has successfully "virginized" many products and services. Branson is always looking for new business opportunities. He likes challenging himself, especially in a market dominated by a few major players.

The Virgin Group now has 200 companies in more than 30 countries. It is expanding into entertainment, travel, tourism and economy. The Virgin Green Fund invests in renewable energy and resource efficiency.

Branson has a wide range of businesses including UK, USA and Canada. Virgin Atlantic - International airline to major destinations; Virgin Megastores Music supermarkets in the UK, USA and Australia; Virgin Books is a publisher and distributor of books; Virgin Credit Card – Branson's attempt at an affordable credit card; Virgin Holidays Virgin Atlantic - Virgin making trains in the United Kingdom is sexy. Virgin Active is a chain of fitness clubs in the United Kingdom. Virgin Galactic - Branson plans an affordable flight into space. Ulusaba - South Africa's luxury game reserve.

Branson considers his empire a family and not a hierarchy. Members are empowered to manage their affairs and share the same values, goals and ideas. The company's motto is to help new Virgin companies emerge and encourage them to become full-fledged members of the Virgin family. A mysterious entrepreneur is always looking for a new business venture. Virgin.com has a section where you can submit a new business idea that might interest Branson.

Branson is a committed environmentalist, philanthropist and activist. When he was just 17 years old, he founded his first charity organization "Student Valley Center". He vowed to use the 10-year profits of his transportation empire to develop renewable solutions to global warming. The Virgin Earth Challenge is also his initiative. It offers a GBP 25 million prize to the first person to come up with an economic solution to the problem of greenhouse gases. He has previously donated to African education charities.

He founded Virgin Unite in 2004, inspiring his employees around the world to take on critical social and environmental issues in an entrepreneurial way. Branson founded The Elders in 2007 - a dedicated group of leaders who work impartially without personal interest to solve difficult global conflicts. Among them were Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter, as well as Peter Gabriel and Nelson Mandela. When Iraq's late dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, he discouraged the British government from flying 40,000 blankets to refugees fleeing to Jordan.

Branson received a knighthood in 1999 and was named Sir Richard Branson for his contribution to entrepreneurship. He is married to his second wife and he currently resides in London. He also owns his island Necker Island.

A charismatic and charming man, Branson is passionate about living life to the fullest. He has been breaking world records by hot air balloon and boat since 1985. Each record attempt is made a media event. His Virgin logo is prominently displayed at every launch. This provided Virgin Group with a rich source of brand marketing and advertising.

His autobiography "Losing My Virginity" (How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way) echoes his bubbly personality. He shares his personal history, business successes and global adventures in the book. He is humble enough not to make fun of himself or talk about his failures, but he is confident enough to tackle some of the most difficult areas of business.

With his charismatic charm, likeability and wicked smile, the 60-year-old entrepreneur starts every venture with rigorous research and analysis. He said, "We ask the fundamental question: Is this likely to reshape the market? Are we creating a competitive advantage?" What are your competitors doing? Are they confusing or providing poor service? This is an opportunity to build the Virgin brand. Can we add value? How does this affect our other businesses? Is this a fair trade-off between reward and risk? We review the industry and try to guess what the customer thinks.