Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen R.1 (Danish pronunciation: [ˈkʰelˀ ˈkʰiɐ̯k kʰʁeˈstjænˀsn̩]; born 27 December 1947) is the former President and CEO of The Lego Group (1979–2004). According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kristiansen is the third richest Dane, with a net worth of $6.75 billion as of April 2021.[2] He is the grandson of Lego founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen | |
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Born | Billund, Denmark | 27 December 1947
Alma mater | Aarhus University IMD Business School (MBA) |
Occupation | Businessperson |
Known for | Former CEO and Deputy Chairman of The LEGO Group |
Title | President of The Lego Group |
Term | 1979 - 2004 |
Predecessor | Vagn Holck Andersen[1] |
Successor | Jørgen Vig Knudstorp |
Spouse | Camilla Kristiansen |
Children | |
Parent |
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Relatives | Ole Kirk Christiansen (grandfather) |
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: Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Sofie Kirk Kristiansen, and Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, a Danish Olympic dressage rider.[4]
Kristiansen holds a bachelor's degree from Aarhus University and an MBA from IMD Business School, Switzerland.[5]
He has received many awards in his professional career.