Bye Bye to Branson?

Okay...today I was watching the TV on FOX and saw an ad for Richard Branson's new show. It is a typical TV spot until the end...when Richard says he is going to give his presidency to the winner of the TV series. He says "I will be giving them the head of Virgin World corporation"?

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS...is RB retiring?

OWEN.

Not 100% sure , but I'd guess 'Virgin World' is (or will be) one of the Virgin group of companies.

[Bazz]

I think the show is going to be called "Rebel Billionaire" something along the lines of the Trumpsters top rating show? Don't know if it will get screened in the UK?

[fozzyo]

Official show webpage: http://www.fox.com/rebelbillionaire/

Not very much on there at the moment, not too much in the way of details at the moment.

Foz )

I've been watching the trailers here at am most surprised at the grand prize. I trust that this isn't the end of his reign.

I think it'll be a great show to watch as it'll show all of the VS destinations. The fact the first show is Branson and one of the contenstants (of whom I trust are a mix of Brits and American's) going over Victoria Falls in a reinforced baked bean can!

I think the difference with this show is it'll demonstrate that you don't have to be a nazi to being as successful as Trump (ref. The Apprentice) as Branson seems to be exuding genuine compasion and encouragement for the players.

I'm lucky enough to be in the US but I trust, as with American Idol etc, it'll come to ITV2 or Sky.

JC.

[ChuckC]

From what I gather from early publicity this is supposed to be a counter to Trump's program. SRB is well regarded in the US, a bit of a folk hero actually, so the program should do well.

Regards,
Chuck-

I thought SRB's son was working beside him and he was going to take over the Virgin Empire when the time come's.

Cheers

Phil

[Pete]

Seems very unlikey that SRB would give up control of the empire to the winner of a game show[:0]. Surely it's some kind of hype for the show?

Pix

quote:
He says "I will be giving them the head of Virgin World corporation"?

he may have been talking literally!!
maybe the winner will be presented with a head - OK it does seem a bit Godfather-ish!!:D

[fozzyo]

Its quite interesting, if you do searches around on Google and such it's quite hard to find some hard documentation of what the actual prize is. The nearest I found so far is:

quote:The competiors will be vying to become President of Branson's Virgin Co. Branson is looking for a young, charismatic individual to follow in his footsteps.

-- http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/Sh ... wid-27223/

quote:While not stating exactly what prize the program's winner will receive, Darnell added that "In six weeks, these people will experience challenges and adventures beyond their wildest imagination. It's not about business acumen; for Branson, it's about finding that one extraordinary individual who has the right stuff to follow in his footsteps."

-- http://www.realitytvworld.com/index/art ... php?s=2435

Foz )

[buns]

I am sure this whole thing has nothing whatsover to do with the launch of the virgin airline in the US;);)

Perhaps the "winner" will be able to set up in competition - only to fail of course[}:)][}:)]

Buns

Hmmm...that is an interesting idea!

Keep the posts coming on other conspiracy theories!

I actually thought that the winner would be given Virgin Airlines US.

Maybe he's looking for a trophey president, i.e. someone active in the public eye, and will leave business matters up to a strong CEO and board of directors?

I'd hope so... I'm not sure how an adrenaline junkie newbie could run one of the largest corporations in the world? It would be like one of those comedy films where someone's son ends up inheriting a company at the age of 15!

JC.

[fozzyo]

JC, you have just reminded me of a story about the Jim Henson Company many years ago. One of the two organisations I would love to work for.

Back to the story. I once read that many years ago a lot of the staff at some of the Henson companies were having difficulties getting hold of people, but the Vice-Presidents etc had no problems. So they made up loads of job titles, all of a sudden PA's all sorts of good sounding titles, stuff like Executive Assistant Vice-President and all of a sudden there lives became a whole lot easier.

A very Henson thing to do - I see a lot of similarities to both companies thinking about it.

Foz xx

Foz... that's interesting and as a theory would fit in well here as Americans seem to be fixated with long and ridiculous titles!!! [:0]

JC.

maybe the winner will get to head up virgin express, or nigeria?

Surely nobody still believes that SRB still works. Think about it - would you still work if you were worth squillions. He PLAYS at being the boss of Virgin - the real work is done by the businesses' chief executives.

[Bazz]

On the contrary, he is involved in all the key stategic decisions for all the Virgin businesses, and on a more day to day level with many (Virgin Atlantic being one). SRB is a very "hands-on" person and one who cares deeply about the Virgin brand, yes he is involved in all sorts of promotional stunts and they look like fun (well most do) but don't mistake this for "playing" all activities are calculated to promote and position Virgin in their chosen marketplace(s).

I pray and hope that Sir RB will not give up his President staus[:(], He puts spice in Virgin

[fozzyo]

I thought SRB is CEO and Chairman of the Virgin holding comapny and a bunch of the companies that they still hold. Being a british group I didn't think they had a President.

Foz )

I think you bring a good point. Perhaps they are going to create a new position and let SRB keep his. I think that sounds the most logical so far. Any other thoughts?

OWEN.