Early Life
Richard Clive Desmond was born in Hampstead, north London, on December 8, 1951. He was raised in Edgware, northwest London, in a Jewish family. His father, Cyril, was once the managing director of a cinema advertising company, Pearl & Dean. Desmond's early life was marked by his father's gambling problems and a family divorce, which shaped his determination and drive.
Rise to Success
Desmond left school at 15 and began his career in the classified advertisement section of the Thomson Group. He later worked as an advertising manager for music magazines. In 1974, he founded Northern & Shell, starting with music magazines like *International Musician*. His business expanded, and he later acquired the UK license for Penthouse. In 2000, Desmond purchased Express Newspapers, which included the *Daily Express* and *Sunday Express*, solidifying his presence in the national media landscape. He also launched *OK!* magazine, which became a major celebrity magazine. Desmond has a history of acquiring media outlets and making them successful.
Key Business Strategies
Desmond's business strategies included acquiring media assets, selling them off and rebranding them to reach mass markets. He was known for his business acumen and willingness to take risks. In 2018, he sold Northern & Shell's publishing arm to Reach plc for a significant profit. Desmond also launched The Health Lottery in 2011, with a portion of proceeds going to charity, which has helped raise over £136 million for communities across Great Britain.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a key aspect of Desmond's life. He founded The Desmond Foundation, which supports various charitable causes. He has also been a patron of the UK Jewish charity Norwood since 2006. Desmond has actively supported children's causes and has donated significantly to Moorfields Eye Hospital, and The Health Lottery, aiding community-focused charities across the UK. The Health Lottery has enabled over 3,500 local health projects and charities to help more than 770,000 people.