Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (Danish pronunciation: [ˈkʰelˀ ˈkʰiɐ̯k kʰʁeˈstjænˀsn̩]; born 27 December 1947) is the former president and CEO of The Lego Group (1979–2004). According to Forbes, Kristiansen is the third richest Dane, with a net worth of $4.7 billion as of February 2020.[1][2] He is the grandson of Lego founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
Kristiansen in 2018
Born (1947-12-27) 27 December 1947
Billund, Denmark
NationalityDanish
OccupationBusinessperson
Known forFormer CEO and deputy chairman of The LEGO Group
Net worthUS$4.7 billion (September 2018)[1]
TitleCEO The Lego Group
Term1995–2004
PredecessorGodtfred Kirk Christiansen
SuccessorJørgen Vig Knudstorp
Spouse(s)Camilla Kristiansen
Children3, including Agnete Kirk Thinggaard
Parent(s)Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Edith Kirk Christiansen
RelativesOle Kirk Christiansen (grandfather)

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.[3] He also appeared on many of the company's packages and marketing materials.[3] In 1979, he became president and CEO of The Lego Group. Kristiansen introduced themes, minifigures, LEGO.com, Lego Mindstorms and licensed properties.[3] 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.[3] 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.[4]

Kristiansen holds a bachelor's degree from Aarhus University and an MBA from IMD Business School, Switzerland.[5]

Awards

He has received many awards in his professional career.

See also
  • List of billionaires

References
  1. The World's Billionaires - Denmark. Forbes.com. Last looked at on February 14th, 2020.
  2. "Meet The Richest Billionaire In Every Country". Forbes. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  3. "LEGO Legend Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen to be Inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame". What's the Buzz. Toy Industry Association. 2008-02-11. Archived from the original on 2008-02-29. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  4. Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, V.I.P.EDIA – seoghoer.dk
  5. "Board". The LEGO Foundation.
  6. "SE og HØR - Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen". SE og HØR. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  7. "Freedom Prize Awardees". Max Schmidheiny Foundation. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  8. Moeller, Lise. "Laureates of the last decade". Institute for Managers and Development. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  9. "Toy Industry Hall of Fame". Toy Industry Association, Inc. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
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