Home Business Richard Branson Net worth, Age, Height, Family & More [Updated]

Richard Branson Net worth, Age, Height, Family & More [Updated]

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Richard Branson Net worth, Age, Height, Family & More [Updated]

Last updated on: December 25, 2024

Richard Branson is one of the most iconic entrepreneurs, and he founded Virgin Group, a global business empire that spans over 40 companies in travel, entertainment, and telecommunications, among others. He was born on July 18, 1950, in London, and at the age of 16, he started his first business, Student, a magazine. Virgin Records was soon started as a mail-order music business that would eventually sign legendary artists like the Sex Pistols and The Rolling Stones.

Over time, his ventures expanded to include Virgin Atlantic Airways, a major airline that is known for innovation, and Virgin Galactic, which aims to make space travel accessible. In 2021, Branson himself made headlines by flying to space aboard his company’s spacecraft. Alongside his business achievements, he’s famous for daring adventures like record-setting balloon flights and kitesurfing across the English Channel.

Branson’s contributions to the business world earned him the knighthood in the year 1999. Besides his entrepreneurial achievements, he is a committed philanthropist, working in social and environmental causes via Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation.

As of January 2025, Richard Branson’s age is 74 years and 5 months old. His estimated net worth is $2.5 billion, and he is 6 feet (183 cm or 1.83 m) tall.

Bio / Wiki

Full Name

Richard Charles Nicholas Branson

Nickname

Rich

Profession

Businessman, Philanthropist, Author

Career

Debut

Magazine

Student (1966)

Best Known for

As the founder of the Virgin Group, which includes diverse companies in travel, telecommunications, and space tourism.

Awards

Full List

Personal Profile and Background Details

Date of Birth

July 18, 1950

Age

As of today, Branson is 74 years, 5 months, and 21 days old.

Zodiac sign

Cancer

Signature

Richard Branson Signature

Nationality

British

Birth Place

Blackheath, London, England, United Kingdom

Residence

United Kingdom

School / College / University

Richard Branson did not enjoy smooth sailing during his school days. He has attended several schools, including Scaitcliffe School and Cliff View House, where he did not do much academically because of suffering from dyslexia and ADHD. He often made his teachers frustrated with the problems he faced in class due to these disorders. After leaving school at 16 years of age, he quit school and decided to take bold entrepreneurial leaps. His first business was a magazine named Student.

That decision was life-changing as it set the base of his future success with Virgin Group. Branson says, “I’m a graduate from the University of Life,” believing that the things learned in real life are so much more than anything achieved in school. His life is a reminder that there is no need for straight As to succeed.

Religion

Richard Branson identifies as an atheist because he does not believe in a deity or higher power. Instead of believing in organized religion, the more philosophical approach suits his taste. He believes in “My religion is kindness,” quoting the Dalai Lama’s words, where he himself believes in doing good things and being kind rather than following formal religious practices.

Race / Ethnicity

Richard Branson’s family tree is just as diverse as his ventures. Mostly of English ancestry, but with Welsh, Scottish, and Irish origins, Richard Branson can also lay claim to being Tamil Indian and German by bloodline. His Tamil Nadu link goes back to his great-great-great-grandmother from Cuddalore, which he has confirmed with DNA tests and family history.

Food Habits

Branson’s diet is all about health, sustainability, and British tradition. His day usually begins with rolled oats, fruit salad, and decaf English breakfast tea, often complemented by muesli or kippers. Having been inspired by Dr. William Li, he’s actually on a diet that promotes good health through fruits and veggies, shifting towards vegetarianism for environmental reasons, reducing his consumption of beef and fish.

For snacks, he prefers British favorites such as chocolate digestives and drinks 20 cups of tea a day and also some coffee, just for its health benefits.

Hobbies

He loves kite-surfing, yachting, and even hot-air ballooning, having attempted to circle the globe in one. Tennis, cycling, and swimming keep him fit, while writing allows him to share his ideas and experiences.

Branson also enjoys hosting lively parties at his Necker Island home.

Tattoo

Richard Branson Tattoo

Physical Attributes and Measurements

Height

  • In feet: 6′ 0″
  • In Centimeters: 183 cm
  • In meters: 1.83 m

Weight

  • In kilograms: 74 kg
  • In Pounds: 163 lbs

Body Measurements

  • Chest Size: 44 inches
  • Biceps Size: 15 inches
  • Waist Size: 34 inches

Shoe size

10 (US)

Eye color

Blue

Hair Color

Blonde

Family

Wife

Kristen Tomassi (1972-1979) (Divorced)

Richard Branson ex wife Kristen Tomassi

Joan Templeman (1989–Present)

Richard Branson with wife Joan Templeman image

 

Father

Edward Branson

Edward Branson

 

Edward James Branson was born on March 10, 1918. He was a British barrister and magistrate, who was the father of Richard Branson. He was a war veteran and a great swimmer. He entered into a legal career after serving in WWII. Edward supported his son’s entrepreneurial ideas but wished he had not pushed him towards a legal career. He was an amusing and charismatic man, who took pride in his son’s achievements and passed away on March 19, 2011.

Mother

Eve Branson

RIchard Branson mother Eve Branson

Eve Branson, Richard Branson’s mother, was a spirited philanthropist and adventurer. Born on July 12, 1924, she served in the WRENS during WWII, danced in West End productions, and worked as an airline hostess. She helped Richard launch his first business by selling a necklace for £100. Later, she founded the Eve Branson Foundation to support women in Morocco. Virgin Galactic even named their mothership “VMS Eve” in her honor. Eve passed away at the age of 96, in 2021

 

Siblings

Lindy Branson (Younger Sister)

Lindy Branson

Lindy Branson is a younger sister of Richard Branson who is an artist, quite talented at painting, mostly olive trees. Born August 18, 1953, in London, the family was creative and entrepreneurial. On Instagram, Lindy exhibits her art, and other exhibitions and media featuring work related to her brother’s ventures

 

Vanessa Branson (Younger Sister)

Vanessa Branson

 

Born June 3, 1959, Vanessa Branson is a businesswoman, and she’s Richard Branson’s younger sister. Vanessa Branson works mostly on arts and hospitality. Most of her work was in Morocco. Growing up with a very creative family background, Vanessa went to Box Hill School, after which she founded the Vanessa Devereux Gallery in London. In 2005, she created the Marrakech Biennale as a form of contemporary arts festival aimed at boosting Moroccan contemporary culture.

She is also the co-founder of El Fenn, a luxury boutique hotel in Marrakech that has become an Instagram favorite around the world. She is passionate about Moroccan heritage through her work.
Vanessa has four children and wrote a memoir called One Hundred Summers, talking about her family and life. In 2014, she was awarded the Officer of the Ouissam Aalouite award for her cultural contributions.

Children

Sam Branson (Son) (Born on August 12, 1985)

Richard Branson with son Sam Branson

Sam Branson was born on August 30, 1985. He is the youngest of Richard Branson and Joan Templeman’s children. A social entrepreneur, an adventurer, a filmmaker, and a musician, Sam has grown up with a family who encouraged him in creativity and adventure. Sam was educated at St Edward’s School and at the Musicians Institute and Le Cordon Bleu studying music and cooking.

In 2012, he founded Sundog Pictures, which later became HiddenLight Productions, co-founded with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. The studio focuses on impactful documentaries. Sam is also a co-founder of Big Change, a charity helping young people in the UK.

An adventurer-at-heart, he has done something as radical as a dog sled expedition in the Arctic to bring awareness about climatic changes and set world records. Recent music launches: Sam recently launched his music career under the name Waves Rush In, with his debut album Under the Static released last year 2023.

Sam is married to Isabella Calthorpe; they have two children, named Eva-Deia and Bluey. They spend part of their time in the British Virgin Islands and London.

Holly Branson (Daughter) (Born on November 21, 1981)

Richard Branson with daughter Holly Branson

Holly Branson was born on November 21, 1981, and is the elder child of Richard Branson and Joan Templeman. A qualified doctor, she graduated in medicine and physiology from University College London before moving into the neurology department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

In 2008, Holly joined the Virgin Group to spearhead its philanthropic work. She is now the Chief Purpose and Vision Officer at Virgin Group and focuses on bringing social and environmental objectives to the company. She chairs Virgin Unite, Virgin Group’s non-profit foundation.

She co-founded Big Change with the goal of empowering young people in the UK. This charity she founded explores ways through which individual work can be impactful positively. Known for her adventurous spirit, Holly has climbed Mont Blanc and kite-surfed across the English Channel. She holds a world record in marathon racing. As a public speaker on social entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility, she is widely acclaimed.

She is married to Freddie Andrewes; they have three children- etta and Artie as twins, and Lola-and they are located in London.

Clare Sarah Branson (Daughter) (1979–2019) 

 

Relationship & More

Marital Status

Married to Joan Templeman

Marriage Date

July 22, 1972 – Kristen Tomassi

December 20, 1989 – Joan Templeman

Affairs or dating history

Kristen Tomassi (1972-1979)

Kristen Tomassi

Judy Huxtable

Nikki Giavasis

Joan Templeman (1978-Present)

Richard Branson with wife Joan Templeman

 

Favorite Things

Favorite Books – Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, The Revenge of Gaia by James Lovelock

Net worth 2025

Richard Branson Net Worth

$2.5 billion

His fortune has come from a variety of ventures spanning different industries, from airlines to space travel, telecommunications, and even health clubs. Let’s take a deeper look at how Richard Branson makes his money, the various businesses that contribute to his wealth, and how much he’s earned from each.

1. Virgin Group: The Heart of Branson’s Wealth

The Virgin Group, which Richard Branson founded in 1970, is a multinational conglomerate that covers more than 40 companies. Most of his wealth comes from the success of this group. Here are some of the most important businesses under the Virgin umbrella and how they’ve contributed to his fortune.

Virgin Records (The Beginning)

  • How It Started: In 1972, Richard Branson founded Virgin Records. He started by selling records out of a small store in London. Soon, Virgin Records signed big-name artists, including the Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones, which made the label a hit in the music industry.
  • Sale: In 1992, Branson sold Virgin Records to EMI for around $1 billion. This was a major turning point for Branson, as the sale of Virgin Records was one of the first big paydays in his career.
  • Earnings: Branson earned a significant sum from this sale, roughly $1 billion. This deal gave him the capital to pursue new ventures under the Virgin brand.

Virgin Atlantic Airways (Aviation Dreams)

  • How It Started: Virgin Atlantic was launched in 1984 when Branson decided to take on the big players in the airline industry, like British Airways. He started the airline by leasing a plane and flying it from London to the Caribbean.
  • Growth: Over the years, Virgin Atlantic became known for its exceptional service and unique customer experience. The airline grew to serve numerous destinations worldwide.
  • Earnings: While Virgin Atlantic is still privately owned by Branson, it’s estimated to be worth around $2.5 billion. Branson’s stake in the company is around 51%, so the value of his holding fluctuates based on the airline’s success.

Virgin Galactic (Space Tourism)

  • How It Started: Branson has always been an adventurer, and in 2004, he ventured into the space tourism industry by founding Virgin Galactic. The idea was to offer suborbital spaceflights for the general public, giving ordinary people the chance to experience space.
  • Status: Virgin Galactic has been in the works for years, with Branson himself taking a historic flight to space in July 2021. Though the company has yet to become profitable, it has attracted significant investment.
  • Earnings: The company is still not making money, but it has raised hundreds of millions in funding. Branson owns a substantial stake in Virgin Galactic, estimated to be worth around $1 billion. However, the company has not yet reached profitability.

Virgin Mobile (Telecom Success)

  • How It Started: Virgin Mobile was launched in 1999 as a mobile virtual network operator, meaning it didn’t own its own network but instead partnered with existing carriers to offer mobile services.
  • Sale: Branson sold Virgin Mobile to Sprint in 2006 for about $1.2 billion. This was a major cash injection for Branson.
  • Earnings: Branson earned around $1.2 billion from the sale of Virgin Mobile. This was another big payday for him, and it allowed him to reinvest in his other ventures.

Virgin Media (Telecom Powerhouse)

  • How It Started: Virgin Media was created in 2006 after several smaller telecom companies, like NTL and Telewest, merged with Virgin Mobile. The company provided broadband, TV, and phone services to millions of customers in the UK.
  • Sale: In 2013, Branson sold Virgin Media to Liberty Global for $15 billion, though he kept a small stake in the company.
  • Earnings: Branson’s share of the sale was around $5 billion. The sale of Virgin Media gave Branson one of the largest payouts in his career.

2. Investments in Other Ventures

Aside from the Virgin Group, Branson has made smart investments in several companies and industries, helping to diversify his wealth.

Virgin Active (Health Clubs)

  • How It Started: Virgin Active, a chain of health clubs, was founded in 1999. Over the years, it expanded to become one of the largest fitness chains in the world, with gyms in the UK, South Africa, Italy, and other countries.
  • Sale: In 2014, Branson sold Virgin Active to a private equity firm called CVC Capital Partners for approximately $1.3 billion.
  • Earnings: Branson’s earnings from the sale were significant, though the exact amount he took home is not clear. His stake was sizable, and this deal added another boost to his net worth.

Virgin Hyperloop (The Future of Transport)

  • How It Started: In 2016, Branson became involved with Virgin Hyperloop, a high-speed transportation system that uses pods to travel through low-pressure tubes. The technology could revolutionize transport by making it faster and more energy-efficient.
  • Status: The company is still in the development phase, with tests of the technology ongoing. While it hasn’t made any profits yet, it has attracted substantial investment.
  • Earnings: Branson’s investment in Virgin Hyperloop could potentially pay off significantly if the technology becomes widely adopted, but for now, it’s too early to gauge earnings.

3. Real Estate and Other Assets

Branson also owns a number of properties, including his famous private island in the British Virgin Islands, Necker Island.

Necker Island

  • How It Started: Branson bought Necker Island in 1978 for $180,000, and over the years, he transformed it into a luxury retreat for celebrities, business leaders, and other wealthy individuals.
  • Earnings: Necker Island generates income when Branson rents it out for private events, vacations, and corporate retreats. Renting the island for a week can cost upwards of $80,000 per night, and it is often fully booked.
  • Value: Necker Island is estimated to be worth around $100 million. This property is an important part of Branson’s wealth and public image.

4. Books, Public Speaking, and Media

Branson has also earned money from his books, public speaking, and media appearances.

Books

  • Books Published: Richard Branson has written several best-selling books, including Losing My Virginity, The Virgin Way, and Finding My Virginity. These books share his personal and professional journey and offer business advice.
  • Earnings: His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, generating significant royalties. While exact earnings from his books aren’t public, it’s estimated that they contribute millions to his wealth.

Public Speaking

  • Engagements: Branson is a sought-after public speaker, and he earns money by speaking at corporate events, conferences, and private gatherings. His speaking fees range from $100,000 to $200,000 per appearance.
  • Earnings: Branson’s speaking engagements contribute a steady stream of income, adding hundreds of thousands each year to his fortune.

5. Philanthropy and Virgin Unite

Richard Branson has also used his wealth to make a positive impact on the world. Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, focuses on social and environmental causes.

  • Earnings: While Virgin Unite doesn’t directly generate income, Branson’s philanthropic efforts help build his public image and maintain the success of the Virgin Group. His social ventures, including the Big Change charity, help him maintain a favorable reputation.

Personal Net Worth

As of 2024, Richard Branson’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion, although this can fluctuate depending on the performance of his businesses and investments.

Car collection

  1. 2019 Land Rover Defender Astronaut Edition
  2. 2022 Range Rover Vogue Space Edition
  3. Morris Minor

Pets

Richard Branson with his pet dog- Richard Branson with his pet dog

Social Media Profiles

Website

virgin.com

Facebook

facebook.com/RichardBranson

Twitter

Instagram

instagram.com/richardbranson

YouTube

youtube.com/user/richardbranson

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