Born in 1950 Sir Richard was educated at Stowe where his entrepreneurial skills came to light when he established a national magazine called STUDENT at the young age of 16. At 17 he started a Student Advisory Centre to help young people.Many years and many businesses later the Virgin brand is recognized and respected worldwide. The Virgin Group employs more than 50,000 people in 29 countries in such diverse areas as air travel, mobile technology, financial, music, railways, resorts and leisure and now space travel. At the Clinton Global Initiative Sir Richard announced that all profits from Virgin’s transportation companies will in the future be invested into renewable energy initiatives. His interests and record-breaking activities know no bounds as he enthusiastically applies his energy to many projects around the world. In 1999 he was knighted for services to entrepreneurship - a wholly appropriate citation.

Sir Richard is married with two children and lives in London.