Ned Rocknroll, born Edward Abel Smith on January 1, 1978, in the United Kingdom, is a British marketing executive known for his association with the Virgin Group and for being the nephew of entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. He is the son of Lindy Branson and Robert Abel. After his parents separated during his infancy, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Robin Brockway, in Parsons Green, South-West London, alongside his four brothers.
Professionally involved in marketing and branding, Rocknroll has worked in a promotional capacity within the Virgin Group, particularly with Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded by his uncle, Richard Branson. In 2008, he changed his name from Edward Abel Smith to Ned Rocknroll, a decision reportedly made to reflect a more lighthearted approach to life. Despite the unconventional name, he has maintained a largely private lifestyle, often avoiding the public eye.
Ned Rocknroll's first marriage was to Eliza Pearson, daughter of Viscount Cowdray. The couple wed in a private ceremony in the Caribbean in August 2009. However, the marriage was short-lived, and they filed for divorce less than a year later, in June 2010.
In 2011, Rocknroll began dating award-winning British actress Kate Winslet. The pair reportedly met while vacationing at Richard Branson’s private Necker Island. Their relationship became public after they were seen attending a memorial service for Branson’s father at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The couple married in a private ceremony in December 2012.
Kate Winslet had previously been married twice. Her first marriage was to filmmaker Jim Threapleton, with whom she shares a daughter, Mia. Her second marriage was to director Sam Mendes, and they have a son named Joe together. Winslet and Rocknroll later welcomed a son, Bear Blaze Winslet, born in December 2013.
| Net Worth 2021: | 25 million |
