Sir Richard Branson

Getty Images

Sir Richard Branson

Virgin Group, founder and CEO
London

The entrepreneur behind the $23 billion, 200-company global empire, Branson established his own philanthropic foundation, Virgin Unite, in 2004. Its goal is to use Virgin's global resources to resolve a litany of social ills. One organization his foundation is involved with is the Bhubezi Health Clinic, a public-private partnership between the U.S. and South African governments and Anglo Coal, that provides basic health care and free diagnosis and treatment for HIV and AIDS, TB, and malaria. Virgin Unite plays a key role by bringing the partners together and providing startup capital and management support. Also part of Virgin Unite, the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in South Africa aims to develop a generation of entrepreneurs in Africa, while the foundation's Entrepreneurs Unite Club matches business entrepreneurs with social entrepreneurs and potential business investments in emerging markets.

"Our fundamental belief is that doing good is good for business. I believe that there's no point in going into business unless you're going to make an enormous difference…at Virgin Group we try to make a difference beyond what customers pay for. Our businesses aim to reach beyond the individual and uplift communities around the world—and we drive this change through the entrepreneurial spirit of our people."