Early Life and Early Career
Richard Clive Desmond was born on December 8, 1951, in Hampstead, London, into a Jewish family. His father, Cyril, was managing director of a cinema advertising company. Desmond left school at 15 and began working in the classified advertisements section of the Thomson Group. He also played drums in a band. Desmond's early business ventures included owning record shops before he entered the publishing industry.
Rise to Success
Desmond founded Northern & Shell in 1974. In the 1970s, he launched International Musician and Recording World, combining his interests in music and advertising. Northern & Shell obtained the UK license for Penthouse in 1983, which led to his expansion into adult magazines. In 1993, he launched OK! magazine. In 2000, Desmond acquired Express Newspapers, including the Daily Express and Sunday Express. In 2010, Desmond bought Channel 5. In 2011, Desmond launched The Health Lottery.
Key Business Strategies
Desmond's business approach emphasized tight cost control and opportunistic deals. He focused on niche publishing with multiple titles and expanded into celebrity magazines. He made significant acquisitions, including Express Newspapers, to broaden his media portfolio. He utilized the Health Lottery to generate funds for charitable causes.
Philanthropy
Desmond is involved in several philanthropic initiatives. He formed the RD Crusaders, a rock group to raise money for charitable causes. He became president of the UK Jewish charity Norwood in 2006. Desmond donated £2.5 million to Moorfields Eye Hospital towards a new children's eye centre. The Health Lottery, under his leadership, has raised money for local health projects across Great Britain. The Desmond Foundation has also focused on children's charities and other worthy causes in the UK, allocating funds to smaller charities to maximize their impact.