
Is Richard Branson A-List?
Yes — Richard Branson is above A-list, ranked S tier as an icon with generational cultural impact.
Reached A-list in 1992
Sold Virgin Records for $1B
Ranking Timeline
Founded Virgin Records
Started Virgin as a mail-order record business at age 20. This was the beginning of what would become a massive global empire.
Virgin Atlantic Launch
Launched Virgin Atlantic Airways, challenging British Airways' dominance. This bold move established Branson as a major entrepreneur and increased his public profile significantly.
Sold Virgin Records for $1B
Sold Virgin Records to EMI for $1 billion to save Virgin Atlantic. This massive deal transformed his net worth and solidified his status as a billionaire businessman.
Virgin Mobile and Brand Expansion
Expanded Virgin brand into mobile telecommunications and numerous other sectors. The Virgin Group became a globally recognized conglomerate, making Branson a household name.
Founded Virgin Galactic
Launched Virgin Galactic to pioneer commercial space tourism. This audacious venture captured global imagination and elevated Branson to iconic status as a visionary entrepreneur.
First Virgin Galactic Space Flight
Successfully flew to space aboard Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity, beating Jeff Bezos by nine days. This historic moment generated massive global media coverage and cemented his legacy.
Global Business Icon
Remains one of the world's most recognizable entrepreneurs and a global icon. Despite some business setbacks, his brand, influence, and cultural impact make him universally known as a pioneering businessman and adventurer.
Last updated: February 25, 2026