Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen


Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen is the former president and CEO of The Lego Group. According to Forbes, Kristiansen is the third richest Dane, with a net worth of $4.7 billion as of February 2020. He is the grandson of Lego founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.

Biography

Kristiansen was born 27 December 1947 in Billund, Denmark. His father, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, worked with his grandfather, Ole Kirk Christiansen, in the family business: Lego. As a child, he often inspired and tested new model concepts and their building instructions. He also appeared on many of the company's packages and marketing materials. In 1979, he became president and CEO of The Lego Group. Kristiansen introduced themes, minifigures, LEGO.com, Lego Mindstorms and licensed properties. In 2004, he stepped down as president and CEO to focus on his role as owner of the Lego Group and vice-chairman of the board, while maintaining his role as chairman of the board of KIRKBI A/S, Lego Holding A/S and the Lego Foundation. Lego is privately held and is controlled by the Kristiansen family and their foundations.
Kristiansen and his wife, Camilla, live in Denmark and have three children. His youngest daughter is the Danish dressage rider Agnete Kirk Thinggaard.
Kristiansen holds a bachelor's degree from Aarhus University and an MBA from IMD Business School, Switzerland.

Awards

He has received many awards in his professional career.