Richard is the founder and president of Virgin Group -- and considered one of the most respected and accomplished entrepreneurs in the world. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1970, when he founded a mail-order record retailer and record shop, which blossomed into Virgin Music Group and eventually sold in a $1 billion deal. Since then, Virgin has expanded into aviation, hospitality and leisure, telecommunications, financial services, health and wellness, and clean energy, through more than 200 companies worldwide, employing approximately 50,000 people in 29 countries, making it one of the world's most recognizable brands. In 1999, Richard was awarded knighthood for "services to entrepreneurship," has been involved in a number of world record-breaking attempts, is active in social, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial causes, and has written several successful books on entrepreneurship.
Founder and President, Virgin Group
