Biography Philanthropists

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
Kjeld-Kirk-Kristiansen
Born 27 December 1947 (age 70)
Billund, Denmark
Residence Denmark
Nationality Danish
Occupation Businessperson
Known for former CEO and deputy chairman of The LEGO Group
Net worth US$5.4 billion (September 2018)[1]
Title CEO, The Lego Group
Term 1995-2004
Predecessor Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Successor Jørgen Vig Knudstorp
Spouse(s) Camilla Kristiansen
Children 3, including Agnete Kirk Thinggaard
Parent(s) Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Edith Kirk Christiansen
Relatives Ole Kirk Christiansen(grandfather)

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (Danish pronunciation: [ˈkɛlˀ ˈkiɐ̯ɡ kʁæˈsdjæːˀnsn̩]; born 27 December 1947) is the former president and CEO of The Lego Group(1979–2004). According to Forbes, Kristiansen is the 3rd richest Dane with a net worth of $5.4 billion, as of September 2018.[1][2]

Biography[edit]

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. Kjeld introduced themesminifigures, 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.

Kjeld and his wife, Camilla, live in Denmark and have three children and two grandchildren. His youngest daughter is the danish dressage rider Agnete Kirk Thinggaard.[4]

Awards[edit]

He has received many awards in his professional career.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. Jump up to:a b The World’s Billionaires – DenmarkForbes.com. Last looked at on September 12th, 2018.
  2. Jump up^ “Meet The Richest Billionaire In Every Country”Forbes. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  3. Jump up to:a b c d e “LEGO Legend Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen to be Inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame”What’s the BuzzToy Industry Association. 2008-02-11. Archived from the original on 2008-02-29. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  4. Jump up^ Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, V.I.P.EDIA – seoghoer.dk
  5. Jump up^ “Freedom Prize Awardees”. Max Schmidheiny Foundation. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  6. Jump up^ Moeller, Lise“Laureates of the last decade”. Institute for Managers and Development. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  7. Jump up^ “Toy Industry Hall of Fame”Toy Industry Association, Inc. Retrieved 2008-03-01.

External links[edit]