The "rich guy" famously associated with Virgin Atlantic (and the broader Virgin brand) is the British billionaire Sir Richard Branson. In 2026, Branson remains the face of the company he founded in 1984, though the ownership structure is more complex than a single individual. Virgin Group (Branson's holding company) owns a 51% controlling stake in Virgin Atlantic, while the remaining 49% is owned by Delta Air Lines. Branson is known for his flamboyant publicity stunts, such as crossing oceans in hot air balloons or kitesurfing with models to promote his brand. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion USD. While he has stepped back from day-to-day operations in some of his other ventures, he remains deeply involved in Virgin Galactic, his space tourism company, and continues to be one of the most recognizable entrepreneurs in the world, often referred to as the "rebel billionaire" for his unconventional business style.