Virgin Unite
Virgin Unite is Virgin GroupVirgin GroupVirgin Group is an investment and brand group originating in the record business established by Richard Branson and Nik Powell in 1970. Its network spans aviation, travel, hospitality, health, telecommunications, finance and spaceflight. Virgin-branded businesses have distinct ownership and operating arrangements.Open the full entry’s charitable foundation, established by Richard BransonRichard BransonRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group. Beginning with a youth magazine and mail-order records, he expanded into aviation, leisure, telecommunications, finance and commercial spaceflight. He also founded Virgin Unite and is known for ballooning expeditions and his 2021 suborbital flight.Open the full entry in 2004. It supports partnerships addressing social and environmental issues and helped develop initiatives including The EldersThe EldersThe Elders is an independent group of global leaders launched by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to work for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable future. Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel proposed the original concept; it is not a Virgin Group commercial subsidiary.Open the full entry and The B TeamThe B TeamThe B Team is a business-leadership initiative launched by Richard Branson and Jochen Zeitz in 2013 to promote environmental and social responsibility and long-term prosperity. Its work includes climate action, corporate transparency, responsible taxation and a just transition.Open the full entry, which have their own governance.
Contents6 sections
Key facts
2004Establishment of the foundation
Richard Branson established Virgin Unite in 2004 to connect business resources, charities and social changemakers around social and environmental issues. It is a philanthropic foundation rather than a sales operation for Virgin businesses.[1]
2007Supporting The Elders
Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel proposed an independent group of experienced global leaders, an idea supported by Nelson Mandela. The Elders was launched in 2007 with support involving Virgin Unite, pursuing peace and human rights through its own organization.[2]
2013The B Team and business responsibility
Richard Branson and Jochen Zeitz launched The B Team in 2013 to address business responsibility for society, the environment and long-term prosperity. Its association with Virgin Unite does not make it an ordinary commercial subsidiary.[3]
Approach: Partnerships and program support
The foundation works through convening, partnerships and program support, with connections including the Eve Branson FoundationEve Branson FoundationThe Eve Branson Foundation supports communities in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains through craft training, livelihood skills and education. Founded by Eve Branson, it dates its origins differently in its biography and timeline, to 2005 and 2006 respectively.Open the full entry. Participating organizations retain their respective missions and governance.[1]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Virgin Unite: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/virgin-unite (opens in a new window).[1]
Holly BransonHolly BransonHolly Branson is a Virgin Group leader and philanthropic co-founder. Trained in medicine and physiology, she worked as a doctor before joining Virgin in 2008. She leads work on the group’s vision and culture, chairs Virgin Unite and co-founded Big Change.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/holly-branson (opens in a new window).[1][4]
Richard Branson: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson (opens in a new window).[1][5]
The B Team: Official link: https://www.bteam.org/ (opens in a new window).[3][3]
Virgin Group: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/ (opens in a new window).[1][6]
Eve BransonEve BransonEve Branson (1924–2021) was a British philanthropist, writer and former flight attendant, and Richard Branson’s mother. She founded the Eve Branson Foundation to support crafts, vocational training and communities in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/eve-branson (opens in a new window).[1][7]
The Elders: Official link: https://theelders.org/ (opens in a new window).[2][8]
Eve Branson Foundation: Official link: https://evebransonfoundation.org.uk/ (opens in a new window).[1][9]
Sources
- Virgin Unite (opens in a new window)
- Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu announce The Elders (opens in a new window)
- History (opens in a new window)
- Holly Branson (opens in a new window)
- Richard Branson (opens in a new window)
- Virgin Group (opens in a new window)
- Eve Branson (opens in a new window)
- Who we are (opens in a new window)
- Eve Branson (opens in a new window)